Branches of Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) representing four constituencies in Male’ have shown their support for MDP Leader and incumbent Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed stating that the party’s policies must not be abandoned to please some parties in the government’s coalition.
MDP’s Women’s Wing and Youth Wing have also shown their support for Nasheed’s efforts to enforce good, condemn and stop injustice, and pass the government’s bill to criminalize hate.
Branches of the party representing Galolhu-South constituency, Villimale’ constituency, Henveiru-West constituency, and Maafannu-North constituency have released statements backing former President Nasheed's claims.
Statements released by the branches stated that MDP has always advocated for independence in unity, freedom of expression, establishing equality, the right to life, and abolishing torment.
Additionally, the statements read that the brutal murders of Dr. Afrasheem, Yameen Rasheed, and Rilwan, and the assassination attempt on President Nasheed were caused by a certain group labeling these individuals and creating hate within the community.
They claimed that the only way to fulfill MDP’s pledge is to pass the government’s bill and criminalizing hate.
They further stated that the government’s decision to withdraw support for the hate crime bill due to disapproval from a minority in the ruling coalition is a violation of MDP’s policies.