President Says Home Minister Acted Under Pressure in Sensitive Case Disclosure

President Dr Mohammed Muizzu has said Home Minister Ali Ihsan disclosed personal information about the 18‑year‑old girl who died at the Maldives National University hall under significant pressure created by widespread misinformation and public accusations. He said the disclosure should not have happened but noted that the circumstances surrounding the incident placed officials in a difficult position.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office today, the President addressed concerns raised after Ihsan publicly read out the girl’s final messages and helpline conversations on live television last week. The disclosure drew strong criticism from mental health professionals, civil society and members of the public.

The President said the minister should not have released any information related to the child. He said the situation had become difficult because of the volume of unverified claims circulating on social media, including allegations that the police had failed to provide adequate assistance.

He noted that when an institution comes under heavy public criticism, especially when accusations spread rapidly online, officials often feel compelled to respond in order to protect the staff involved. He said this creates pressure within the institution and can place junior employees in a difficult position even when they have not made any mistake. He said this creates a difficult environment for those working on sensitive cases.

Even so, he said the disclosure was not acceptable. He said it did not meet international standards and was not supported by professionals in the field. He urged the public to show restraint when discussing sensitive incidents and said the government is working to ensure that information is shared responsibly.

The incident at MNU was not the first time personal information had been released in cases involving vulnerable young women. In an earlier case, involving the case of a girl who fell from a building in Malé, authorities released CCTV footage and personal details that would normally remain confidential. Both incidents took place while Ihsan served as Home Minister.

Mental health professionals have said such disclosures violate international guidelines. The World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention advise against publishing messages, photos or personal details of individuals facing mental health challenges. These standards are widely followed by mainstream media outlets in the Maldives.

President Muizzu said the government is taking steps to improve the mental health system, including the decision to build a dedicated mental health hospital in Malé using state funds and the introduction of a Mental Health Bill in Parliament this year. He said these measures are intended to strengthen the legal framework and ensure the rights of people seeking treatment.

He said the government has also arranged free treatment for all mental health conditions through Aasandha. As of 24 April, 10,954 people have received mental health services under the scheme, including 8,125 patients treated in the Malé area.