Main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has stated that the party does not support dissolving of organizations or obstructing their work.
The party affirmed its stand in a statement released by the party on Saturday condemning acts of extremism and fear mongering.
The statement released after consultation with the party's National Council said the party supports to maintain moderate religious practices in the Maldives, and said the party would not tolerate any attacks on Islam and Prophet Mohamed. The statement further read that the freedom of expression as assured by the Maldivian constitution must be practiced in such a way that it does not contradict tenants of Islam.
MDP also expressed their belief that the law should apply to all citizens equally, and urged not to allow opportunity for anyone to transgress outside of the law.
The statement called to take action on those who misuse the freedom of expression, and those who call for violence and promotes extremism.
Noting that no society allows the spread of hatred, MDP's statement said such acts will not bring any benefit to religion or the country. Such speech will increase disunity, and result in unrest in the country, said the statement. It also noted that some political figures took advantage of such calls of extremists to incite hatred, in order to create unrest in the country for political gain.
MDP urged the country's citizens not to accept the attempts made by extremists to spread hatred and fear in the society, and called on the government to take appropriate measures against such people.
MDP's statement comes at a time when non-partisan NGO Maldivian Democratic Network (MDN) has been suspended while the police investigates a report prepared by the organization on radicalization in Maldives.
The report challenged principles and teachings of Islam in the Holy Quran, and disrespected Prophet Mohamed (PBUH). The report outlined several verses from the Quran and 'hadith' of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) as examples of ideas included in school text books that contribute to promulgation of radical worldviews.
While the whole country is condemning the report, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate measures will be taken as stipulated under the Maldives constitution. The police are also looking into the matter as a 'serious case' after a complaint was filed by Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
