Maldives NGO under investigation for ‘mocking Islam’ in radicalisation report

The report mocked Islam and the Prophet Mohamed and included content that was contrary to Islamic tenets and could disrupt the religious unity of Maldivians, the Islamic ministry tweeted.

The complaint was lodged amid growing calls by clerics and opposition supporters to ban MDN after sections were highlighted and screenshots were widely shared on social media. Several ruling party lawmakers, ministers and ruling coalition leaders have since joined the chorus of condemnation. Insulting Islam or the prophet is unacceptable, the consensus holds.

In the face of the public outcry, MDN removed the report from its website and apologised for offending public sensitivities with the language used in the report. The NGO said it has decided to revise the report with the help of religious scholars. “This association respects Islam as well as Maldivian laws and traditions and assures all Maldivian citizens that this association will not repeat such an act hereafter,” MDN said in a statement on Thursday.