Police have clarified that when a court orders photographs of all parts of the body - excluding the genitals - for identification purposes, it is not standard practice to photograph individuals without clothing.

This clarification comes amid an ongoing criminal investigation involving Mariyam Zubair, who is also the subject of a separate civil defamation lawsuit filed by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.

Mariyam Zubair, a prominent figure affiliated with the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), is alleged to have made comments about President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s sons during a recent anti-government protest in Malé. In response, the First Lady filed a defamation suit against her, MDP, and the party’s chairman. However, legal representatives have emphasised that this civil case is entirely unrelated to the criminal proceedings currently underway.

Public criticism has surfaced both online and in mainstream discourse concerning the police investigation—particularly the aspect involving body photography. 

In a statement issued today, the Maldives Police Service clarified that the investigation is being carried out in response to a formal complaint lodged by the Children’s Ombudsperson’s Office. They noted that while body photographs and voice samples may be collected as part of a criminal inquiry, such procedures occur only with the subject's consent or through a court order.

Addressing public concerns, the police reiterated that when courts mandate external body photographs for identification, genital areas are explicitly excluded. These images are generally used to match physical features with those captured in surveillance footage or to support voice identification processes.

They further stressed that it is not customary to photograph individuals without their clothing. Only the essential samples deemed necessary for the investigation are collected, and the process is conducted with respect for personal dignity and legal safeguards.

The police also confirmed that the summons currently circulating in the media pertains solely to the collection of photographic and voice samples for a case overseen by the Children’s Ombudsperson’s Office. They emphasised that such procedures are standard in criminal investigations and comply with established legal protocols.

Azima Shakoor, legal representative for First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, also issued a statement affirming that the current criminal investigation is entirely separate from the civil lawsuit brought by her client. She categorically denied any suggestion that the investigation had been initiated at their request.