Male’, Maldives —Islamic Ministry has decided today to look into the multiple complaints raised against Islamic Scholar, Dr. Mohamed Iyaz for advocating for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The public has been outraged by the tweets of Dr. Iyaz as he has been recently continuously posting tweets advocating for FGM although it is a harmful practice for women’s health and an internationally recognized human rights violation against women.
Islamic Minister of Maldives, Dr. Ahmed Zahir informed the local media outlet “Adhadhu” today that several people have complained to the Ministry of the statements by Dr. Iyaz regarding the circumcision of women. Dr. Zahir refrained from revealing further details and informed that the Ministry has decided to investigate the complaints against Dr. Iyaz.
While Dr. Iyaz is also an Assistant Professor of the Maldives National University (MNU), the university has also initiated a review against Dr. Iyaz for advocating FGM.
Dr. Iyaz was previously given a last warning from the university regarding a post he posted on social media on March. He was then suspended for 14 days from the university and given a warning that he would be fired from the university if such an act is repeated.
On June 23, Parliament Member for Galolhu Dhekunu Constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem submitted a case against Dr. Iyaz to the Parliament’s Human Rights and Gender Committee for encouraging FGM. To this, Dr. Iyaz responded by asking for valid proof against him and demanded to stop trying to criticize rulings that are already decided by Allah.
However, former President, Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom stated that the circumcision of women is not required in Islam. Former Islamic Minister, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed also stated the same as former President Maumoon, noting that the circumcision of small girls is not encouraged in Islam.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This practice has no health benefits for girls and women. It is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women and the World Health Organization (WHO) is strongly urges health care providers to not perform FGM.
