Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail is not a thief or a traitor, his brother, Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), said on Sunday as rumours of an impending arrest intensify.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Ibra, a prominent political figure, expressed his unwavering belief in his brother’s integrity. While acknowledging their political differences, he stood firm in his defence of Fayyaz.
“Until he is proven guilty by a fair trial, I will defend him,” Ibra wrote, pushing back against what he sees as baseless accusations.
Fayyaz now faces the looming threat of arrest as law enforcement reportedly prepares to seize his electronic devices and restrict his travel. The accusations against the former economic minister stem from a settlement committee formed by the previous administration to resolve disputes over government-private agreements. Critics, however, question the case’s legitimacy, noting that Fayyaz was never a member of the committee.
The Muizzu administration’s handling of the case has drawn sharp criticism, with many viewing it as a targeted effort to silence opposition voices. The MDP has accused the government of wielding law enforcement as a weapon to intimidate political rivals, a claim that has gained traction as raids and investigations against opposition figures continue to mount.
Police recently raided the apartment of MDP national congress member Moosa Ali Manik, confiscating his devices in what opposition figures view as a precursor to Fayyaz’s arrest. Meanwhile, the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) appears to have launched a social media campaign calling for Fayyaz’s arrest, further fuelling allegations of political persecution.
Fayyaz has remained defiant, repeatedly denying any wrongdoing and vowing that neither he nor the MDP will bow to intimidation. Behind the scenes, the MDP has appointed a team to ensure the party’s activities continue if its leadership is detained, although the identities of the members of the group remain undisclosed.
Fayyaz has remained defiant, repeatedly denying any wrongdoing and vowing that neither he nor the MDP will bow to intimidation. Behind the scenes, the MDP has appointed a team to ensure the party’s activities continue should its leadership be detained, although the identities of the members remain undisclosed.
As tensions rise, critics warn that the crackdown on Fayyaz and other senior opposition figures is an attempt to distract from scandals plaguing the Muizzu administration, including the Housing Development Corporation land scandal and allegations of money laundering involving the National Social Protection Agency and MM TV.