In a press release issued today, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) expressed concern about potentially harmful rhetoric emerging from recent Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gatherings, citing statements and videos that appear to encourage hostile actions against members of other political parties.

The Commission indicated that political content shared through gatherings, press conferences and social media platforms has deviated from constitutionally protected speech, particularly where it appears to promote social discord or advocate confrontational actions.

The HRCM noted that whilst freedom of expression is enshrined under Article 27 of the Maldivian Constitution, this right is subject to statutory limitations and constitutional constraints.

Furthermore, the Commission called for political parties to conduct their activities within the established legal framework for peaceful assembly and emphasised that such behaviour does not align with constitutional principles granted to the Maldivian people.

The press release also suggested that political organisations should prioritise public interest in their operations, noting that political discourse should avoid rhetoric that could potentially compromise personal dignity or social harmony.