Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) MP Eva Abdulla has received messages threatening her family.
The messages MP Abdulla received via the instant messaging application Viber from a number registered outside the says the sender would like to ‘meet [her] kids’.
This threat comes with a vote of no confidence against speaker Abdulla Maseeh around the corner, which was submitted with 26 signatures from lawmakers from every party.
Few days before voting on no confidence motion against the Speaker, and the threats intensify. This one threatens my child. pic.twitter.com/qn6N9A2l85
— Eva Abdulla (@evattey) March 21, 2017
Opposition MPs frequently report threats against them, only to have to express concern that their cases are not pursued or probed by the relevant authorities.
MP Abdulla is extremely vocal about her disagreement with the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and President Abdulla Yameen’s policies.
Former Parliament Speaker, MP Abdulla Shahid had responded to her tweet saying that threats against children are the mark of a dictatorship.
Threats of violence against families and kids now. Nothing less in a Dictatorship! @IPUparliament @USEmbSL @UKinMaldives @UNHumanRights https://t.co/M3N4LO8F4T
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) March 21, 2017
In addition to MP Abdulla, MDP's parliamentary group leader Imthiyaz Fahmy received a message threatening his life, in February. While the matter has been filed at the relevant authorties, they are yet to reveal details of the investigation.
