In order to ‘not commit any more offences’, former President Maumoon Abdula Gayoom poses various questions via twitter, as authorities continue to harass him and those close to him.
The former President, who is currently in India for medical purposes, asks whether he is allowed to use his own name anymore, or say he is a Muslim or a Maldivian, or whether he loves his country.
He asked the questions noting that he does not want to commit any offences.
I don't want to commit an offence. So tell me am I allowed to use my own name, say I'm a Muslim, say I'm a Maldivian, say I love my country?
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) April 1, 2017
Maumoon’s tweet comes hours after officers from Maldives Police Service (MPS) entered his offices in Henveiru Themaa on Friday night, removing the name board and flags at the premises.
Following the act, the former President has tweeted that he will ‘sue’ those who ‘vandalized’ his office on Friday.
I will sue those who vandalised my office premises today.
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) March 31, 2017
The name board and flags were removed after as per a Civil Court order on Thursday night, ordering the police to shut down the offices in Henveiru Themaa. The order also ordered the elected leader of PPM to immediately halt any activities being held under party’s name.
The office- office of the leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)- was opened in October 2016, after the Civil Court ordered Maumoon to handover the party to its chief advisor, his half-brother and incumbent President Abdulla Yameen. The brothers have been involved in a public dispute since June 2016, with President Maumoon withdrawing support for his brother’s government in October 2016.
It is with much regret that I announced tonight withdrawal of my support to President Yameen's govt with immediate effect.
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) October 27, 2016
What we saw in Majlis today was a total disgrace! The extent of govt's fear of a free vote. All the reason why we must overhaul the system!
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) March 27, 2017
The former President, who ruled the nation for 30 years, has since been a strong vocal critic of the government, accusing it of using the judiciary and other institution for political gain.
Using the judiciary for political purposes is illegal and unconstitutional. It must stop immediately!
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) March 31, 2017
On March 24, he signed an agreement with opposition leaders “to work jointly and together both in Parliament and in the political environment” to reform the government. His son, MP for Dhiggaaru constituency, Ahmed Faris Maumoon has been leading the opposition coalition on his behalf.
PPM's President Yameen faction, on March 27, dismissed Maumoon, the party's elected leader and founder. The former President responded by saying that the 'Dharubaaru' faction, a quip at the venue at which the decision was made, had no legal basis to do so.
Dharubaaru faction has no legal standing & cannot dismiss members from PPM. 1/2
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) March 26, 2017
With the Grace of Allah I continue to be a member of PPM and its sole elected president and leader. 2/2
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) March 26, 2017