People’s National Congress (PNC) Member of Parliament for South Maafannu constituency Abdulla Rifau has called for the reinstatement of the defamation law, stating that the spread of unsubstantiated claims has enabled individuals to defame others without accountability.

In a post on X, MP Rifau said the defamation law had originally been introduced to address the circulation of baseless and defamatory content, and stressed the need for its return.

He condemned what he described as attempts to defame President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and his family through unverified allegations. He expressed confidence in the President’s leadership and commended his efforts, while urging firm action against those responsible for spreading such claims.

The Defamation and Freedom of Speech Act, which came into force in 2016, was repealed in 2018. The issue has resurfaced amid ongoing public and political discussion surrounding a police investigation linked to the publication of a documentary.