Dr. Shaheem: Mere statement to condemn slander of the Prophet not enough

Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) Advisor, former Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that the government just issuing a statement condemning India’s ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) two top officials’ remarks slandering Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was not enough.

At a press conference held at PPM’s headquarters today, Dr. Shaheem underscored that Maldives was a fully Islamic nation – whereas no matter who slanders the Islamic religion or Prophet Muhammed, an Islamic nation should take adequate action over it.

He stressed that releasing a ‘cold statement’ regarding the issue was not considered as the most adequate course of action.

"Major Islamic nations had condemned the act – and did everything else in their capacity as well. No matter what sort of friendship there is; this sort of things should not be played down,” he added.

Dr. Shaheem also announced that the PPM-PNC coalition will be holding a mass rally, in defense of the Islamic religion or Prophet Muhammed, on Thursday night, at 8:45pm at Carnival Area.

“As per President Yameen’s instructions – we will be holding a mass rally on Thursday night. Top two officials of BJP must apologize for their actions. The coalition’s purpose is raising our voice to defend Prophet Muhammed. No matter which political stance – it is our earnest request to participate in the rally,” he had said.

A large number of youths held a motorcycle rally on Saturday – in the name of ‘My Prophet’, against the slander of Prophet Muhammed.

Opposition PPM-PNC coalition stressed their reasoning behind holding the mass rally as the inadequate action taken by the Maldivian government to condemn BJP’s two top officials’ remarks slandering Prophet Muhammed.

BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma had made the derogatory remarks regarding Prophet Mohamed during a TV debate, while spokesman Naveen Jindal had made derogatory remarks regarding Islam on social media.

Sharma was suspended while Jindal was expelled from BJP.

Individual parties, including the opposition PPM-PNC coalition, JP, AP, MNP and MDA have also issued statements condemning the remarks.

Meanwhile, many foreign relations bodies of Islamic countries had summoned Indian ambassadors – handing over official documents denouncing the remarks made by the officials and demanding apologies from the Indian government and BJP. These countries include Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabiya, Kuwait and Oman.