The Parliament has officially lodged a police complaint following death threats directed at Ihavandhoo MP Mohamed Shifau. The threats came in the wake of Shifau’s proposal to submit a motion to the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Parliamentary Group aimed at removing President Mohamed Muizzu from office.
Shifau, a member of the MDP, received these menacing messages on Monday evening, prompting a swift response from his political party. MDP urged the police to investigate the alleged death threats against its member, strongly condemning the action targeting Members of Parliament for the exercise of their constitutional and legal responsibilities.
MDP emphasised the paramount duty of an opposition party in parliament to hold the government accountable, and called upon the police and army to guarantee the safety of all MPs.
In a statement, the parliament said, “The office has filed a complaint with the Maldives Police Service requesting the local Police to investigate the death threats made against Ihavandhoo MP Mohamed Shifau on social media.” The statement further revealed that the Ministry of Defence had been contacted to ensure the safety and security of MP Shifau.
Shifau’s proposed amendment to the Rules of Procedure, which would allow the removal of the President from office through an MDP members-only vote, was approved by the parliament on Monday. Speaking during the sitting, Shifau clarified that the amendment was not intended to oust the president, but he now intends to proceed with it.
