Islamic Minister: Harassment of religious scholars a dangerous signal

Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir, has expressed concern over the harassment of a religious scholar, describing the act to indicate a dangerous signal.

His concern was prompted by the harassment of Adhaalath Party’s (AP) member, religious scholar Dr. Mohamed Iyaz Latheef, as he attempted to drive away from opposition PPM-PNC coalition protestors, on Wednesday.

Minister Zahir, in a tweet on Thursday, said that harassment of a religious scholar in an Islamic Ummah such as the Maldives was extremely disheartening and a dangerous signal. He condemned Dr. Iyaz’s harassment and urged the public against the repetition of such an act.

A video of the incident viral on social media shows Dr. Iyaz attempting to drive past the opposition protestors, as they obstructed his way while yelling profanities towards him.

The protest, calling for the release of jailed opposition leader, presidential candidate Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, took place in front Chanbeylee Magu where the office of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) is located.

At that time, opposition leadership was waiting at the office in an attempt to meet HRCM’s members.

The incident has sparked criticism from the public. Adhaalath Party also condemned the harassment in the harshest terms.