Instigating violence not freedom of expression: Ihusan

The Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusan on Saturday has said that instigating violence towards individuals is not freedom of expression, and added such cases will be investigated.

While the minister has made the statement, a Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) activist has been summoned to Maldives Police Service for making threatening posts on X.

Police sent the chit for a summon to MDP's social media activist Hussain Shafiu (Thuhthu).

The main opposition party's Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail expressed his frustration to this in a post he shared on X.

In response, Ihusan replied to Fayyaz on X, noting that a statement that says "Don't be seen anywhere on the road" can be interpreted as a threat to assault someone, and added the relevant authorities will take all necessary action to acquire details about it.

"If someone made a similar statement at you tomorrow, should we ignore it as a simple freedom of expression? And if someone were to assault you on the road, should we ignore it as an acting on the same freedom of expression? Will this be the status quo in a country under your rule?" Ihusan in his post on X responded.

The minister affirmed authorities will take all necessary measures in ensuring protection and safety without discrimination. 

He further said that freedom of expression is always available so long as it complies with Maldivian laws and regulations.

"Making everything political is an extremely irresponsible behaviour," Ihusan said in his post on X.

The MDP leader in his post said that autocratic governments always attempt to silence dissent and freedom of expression of the public.

"You cannot confine thoughts and ideals. Even if chits are sent like this, Maldivian citizens and especially MDP members will have the courage to express their thoughts without fear," Fayyaz said.

The chit sent to the MDP activist stated that he made a threatening statement in a post on X at 01:14 on November 8th.

Shafiu has been ordered to attend to Sergeant Adam Haleem Criminal Investigation Building at 13:30 on Sunday to provide a statement.

Previously, the Local Government Authority (LGA) had ordered to take action against GDh. Gadhdhoo council's president, Mohamed Ahmed for making denigrating statements towards President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.