The breakaway Y-faction of ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) has threatened legal action if the Party’s name is not removed from the statement issued by opposition parties condemning the en masse suspension of lawyers.

The statement was issued by Maldivian Democratic Party, Progressive Party of Maldives, Jumhooree Party and Adhaalath Party.

Speaking in a press conference in PPM Offices on Tuesday, the faction’s Deputy Leader Abdul Raheem Abdullah said they had sent letters to opposition parties and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to remove the Party’s name from the statement.

He also said the opposition had a deadline of 3 pm on Tuesday to remove the name. If they fail to do so, Abdul Raheem warned they will instate legal action. He said the case will be lodged with the relevant agencies, with copies of the letter already sent to the said bodies.

The Deputy Leader, who also serves as Fonadhoo Constituency MP, said it was likely that PPM’s name was used as President Maumoon was with the opposition. However, he added that the former President had no legal rights to use the Party’s name. Abdul Raheem said if the former President can issue statements on behalf of his former Party, then he could also issue statements as President.

Speaking on the issue of suspension of lawyers, Abdul Raheem said the state bodies have a legal mandate to take action if illegal acts are perpetrated in the nation. The lawyer’s suspension, he said was legal and justified.

The Y-faction’s spokesperson and Kelaa Constituency MP Ali Arif said even if 200 lawyers had acted illegally, then there was no way to present it as a legal move. Spokesperson for the faction, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel said lawyers leading the petition supported and promoted a certain ideology.