Maldives Democracy Network(MDN) has been officially dissolved by the government after investigating of blasphemy and insulting Islam in its publicized report.
MDN published a report in 2015 to warn about the dangers of Islamic radicalization in Maldives to outsiders. It became controversial after open blasphemy and for including insults for the religion and Prophet Muhammad (saw).
Citizens among whom islamic scholars, opposition lawmakers and government ruling coalition members were calling to abolish the organization for breaking the law.
The constitution doesn’t give any space for any individual to insult Islamic Sharia or the religion.
Maldives Police Service conducted an investigation where they aimed to summon MDN leaders, Ms. Shahinda Ismail and Ms. Azra Naseem. Both are currently residing in other countries and refused to co-operate with the investigation claiming there’s no safe environment for them in their home.
After the investigation Maldives Police Service informed Ministry of Youth and Sports that the organization has in fact broken the law with the report. Youth Ministry then dissolved the organization, but gave a chance to respond for the reasons.
Last Thursday, Ministry officially dissolved the organization for not responding to the ministry in the given 45 day period.
MDN leaders called the government to take back this decision as it will harm their diplomatic policies. Government chose not to.
