Law enforcement authorities are reportedly preparing to arrest opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, raising concerns of a political crackdown by the Muizzu administration. Sources confirmed on Sunday that Fayyaz’s electronic devices would be confiscated and his passport withheld.
This development follows ongoing investigations into alleged legal violations involving a settlement committee established under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The committee, formed on 28 November 2022, was tasked with resolving disputes over government-private agreements but was later dissolved after Attorney General Ahmed Usham of the current administration claimed it lacked a proper legal framework. Legal experts, however, have refuted this, asserting the committee operated lawfully.
The Parliament Public Accounts Committee recently approved a motion requesting a criminal investigation into former officials linked to the committee, including Solih and Fayyaz. Critics have questioned the decision to target Fayyaz and Solih, as neither were members of the committee.
Fayyaz has denied any wrongdoing, stating on multiple occasions that neither he nor the MDP will be intimidated. The MDP has appointed a team to ensure the party’s activities continue if its leadership is detained, although the identities of the group remain undisclosed.
Police have already raided the apartment of MDP national congress member and former Road Development Corporation Managing Director Moosa Ali Manik, confiscating his electronic devices. Opposition figures view this as a precursor to Fayyaz’s arrest.
Over the weekend, the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) appeared to launch a social media campaign calling for Fayyaz’s arrest. Observers noted that such campaigns often precede significant law enforcement actions under the current government.
Analysts and critics allege this could mark the start of a broader campaign by the Muizzu administration to silence opposition voices and distract from controversies, including the Housing Development Corporation land scandal and alleged money laundering involving the National Social Protection Agency and MM TV. The MDP has called for investigations into these allegations and accused the government of using law enforcement as a political weapon.
The arrest of Fayyaz, if executed, is expected to intensify political tensions and raise further concerns over the government’s commitment to democratic principles.