First Lady Sues Opposition Leaders Over Remarks About Her Son

MALÉ, Maldives — First Lady Sajida Mohamed has filed lawsuits against two senior figures in the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, accusing them of violating her 16-year-old son’s dignity through remarks made at a political rally. The legal action, filed Tuesday in Family Court, escalates a bitter feud in Maldivian politics and raises questions about the boundaries of political discourse—and the protection of children.

The case targets MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and activist Mariyam Zubair, widely known as Mandi, over comments Ms. Zubair made at an MDP rally in early March. There, she suggested President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent decision to ban vaping in the Maldives was linked to his son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu, allegedly using vape products.

Represented by Rehendi Chambers, a law firm led by former Attorney General Azima Shakoor, the First Lady denied the claim, calling it baseless and harmful.

In a statement, Rehendi Chambers said the remarks violated Umair’s rights under the Maldives’ Children’s Rights Protection Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The firm argued the comments posed a threat to Umair’s safety, education, and future—creating, in its words, a “situation where his soul and life would be in danger.”

The MDP itself is also named in the lawsuit, since the remarks were made at a party-organized event. Mr. Ismail faces scrutiny for a related tweet.

Tuesday’s filing in Family Court accuses Ms. Zubair, Mr. Ismail, and the MDP of violating constitutional and legal protections afforded to children. A separate defamation case, filed in Civil Court in March, alleges the remarks harmed Umair’s reputation and could jeopardize his studies and future.

In a March 15 press release, First Lady Sajida said she was acting as a mother, not in her official capacity, in seeking legal redress. “My son, Umair, is a 16-year-old child. He has no role in political matters, and his future should not be compromised by lies,” she said. “As a mother, I am compelled to protect my children and others who may face such attacks.”

The controversy intensified after a press conference in March where Ms. Shakoor, speaking for the Muizzu family, pointed to the circulation of Umair’s photographs on social media alongside inflammatory commentary. She emphasized the family’s intention to pursue civil—not criminal—remedies, while leaving open the possibility of further legal action if others are implicated.

The remarks have drawn criticism from state institutions. On March 14, the Maldives Election Commission condemned Ms. Zubair’s statements as “unsubstantiated” and urged politicians to respect children’s rights. “No one should speak in a manner that violates the mental health or rights of children,” the commission said, warning against rhetoric that incites “anger and hatred.”

Abdul Raheem, Speaker of Parliament, accused the opposition of using “innocent children” for political purposes and called for tighter internal oversight of political parties.

The MDP, which has been staging nightly protests in Malé against President Muizzu’s administration, defended Ms. Zubair, saying her comments were not directed at Umair and were not intended to harm anyone.

Still, the case has cast a sharp light on the personal costs of the Maldives’ polarized politics, where family members—especially children—have increasingly been drawn into the fray. Similar incidents have surfaced during past political crises, but this case appears to have struck a deeper nerve.

In her March press release, the First Lady also expressed concern for her younger son, age 8, saying he too had been subjected to harassment. “Like any parent, my primary duty is to my children,” she said, ending with a prayer: “May Allah protect all our children.”

As the lawsuits proceed, the Maldives faces a reckoning with the consequences of its fractured political landscape—and the challenge of keeping its youngest citizens out of the crossfire.