Minister at the Presidential Palace Iqbal Adam has said that differences in political opinion should not be used as a reason to damage another person’s dignity.

In a post shared on social media, Iqbal said freedom of expression and the right to speak are rights guaranteed under Islam, but added that such rights must be exercised within certain limits and responsibilities.

He said the Constitution of the Maldives also makes clear that rights and freedoms cannot be exercised in a manner contrary to the principles of Islam.

Iqbal stated that insulting others, using offensive language, making false allegations, spreading misinformation, harming public interest, disrupting social harmony or interfering in private lives without justification are not rights granted to individuals.

Referring to criticism directed at the country’s leadership, Iqbal said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was elected by the majority of Maldivians for the current five-year presidential term and that political disagreements should not become grounds for personal attacks.

He also urged people to refrain from spreading false information and allegations targeting President Dr Muizzu, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and members of the President’s family.