President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s family has announced plans to file civil charges against the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) over the harassment, endangerment, and bullying of the First Son. The move follows an incident on March 12, where MDP member Mariyam Zubair accused the President’s son during a rally of influencing the government’s vape ban. Since then, the First Son has faced online abuse and threats.

First Lady Saajidha Mohamed strongly denied the allegations, stating they had put her son’s safety and future at risk. She emphasized that while she has never defended the President’s policies, she could not stay silent as a mother while her children faced harassment.

"Today, as a mother, I have decided to take action because my first and foremost duty is to protect my children when their safety and future are threatened," she said.

The family’s legal representative, former Attorney General Aishath Azima Shakoor, confirmed civil charges will be filed against Mariyam Zubair, MDP, and its Chairman Fayyaz Ismail. She stated that MDP is legally responsible as the remarks were made at a party-organized rally, while Fayyaz is being sued for defending and encouraging further criticism of the First Son on X.

Although the incident has criminal implications, Azima clarified that the First Family will only pursue civil charges, leaving any potential criminal investigations to the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) have warned MDP against actions that could harm children, stressing that such acts do not fall under freedom of expression.

This case underscores growing concerns over political discourse and its impact on individuals, especially minors, in the Maldives.