Ruling party Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) released a statement defending India regarding a report published by Dhiyares and the Maldives Journal against Indian diplomats.
The statement called for Dhiyares and TMJ, and Co-founder and Chief Editor of Dhiyares News Ahmed Azaan to stop involving foreign diplomats in Maldives and allied nations in matters of political vengeance.
The statement also read that the reports published by TMJ were funded and planned to create hatred between the people of Maldives and India.
MDP claimed that such campaigns pose a real threat to foreign diplomats in the Maldives.
The party declared they welcomed debates on foreign policies, and respect the freedom of speech, but penalize propaganda that incites hatred and division among the people.
However, during the presidential election in 2018, former President and leader of MDP Mohamed Nasheed posted a tweet criticizing Saudi Arabia for endorsing Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed as running mate for President Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
As the Saudi Ambassador to the Maldives congratulated Dr. Shaeheem, former President Nasheed accused Saudi Arabia of encouraging extremism in Maldives.