A delegation from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by Party President H.E. Abdulla Shahid, met today with Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), to brief her on the Maldives’ accelerating democratic breakdown.
President Shahid was joined by Hon. Meekail Naseem MP (Galolhu South) and Hon. Hussain Shaheem (Former MP for Henveiru North), both members of the MDP Foreign Relations Committee.
The delegation delivered a blunt assessment of the Muizzu administration’s systematic dismantling of judicial independence. They detailed the unlawful dismissal of Supreme Court justices, the political capture of the Anti-Corruption Commission and Elections Commission, the weakening of parliamentary oversight, and a judiciary left paralysed by fear and interference.
“This is not a legal reform agenda, it is an orchestrated assault on the rule of law,” said Shahid. “Our courts have been gutted, our oversight bodies are under executive control, and our democratic institutions are being reengineered to serve power, not the people.”
The delegation underscored that this crisis is not theoretical, it has real consequences for Maldivian citizens. Peaceful youth-led protests are being met with brutality. Journalists are being threatened for doing their jobs. MPs face removal not through elections, but by party committee fiat.
The MDP also noted that:
• Two Supreme Court justices were removed without due process;
• The judiciary has been left unable to hear key constitutional cases;
• Over 300 cases of fraudulent registration to the ruling party remain uninvestigated;
• A young woman’s injuries led to public outcry, but police silence;
• Peaceful protestors, particularly youth, have been detained and beaten.
“We came to Brussels to share a truth many Maldivians are living every day,” Shahid told Ms. Pampaloni. “Our institutions are being hollowed out. But our people have not given up. They continue to speak out, to show up, and to stand firm. That is where our hope lies.”
The MDP delegation concluded the meeting by reaffirming its commitment to democratic restoration and its readiness to engage with all partners who share that goal. They emphasised that what happens in the Maldives will shape not only the country’s future, but wider confidence in democratic governance across the Indian Ocean region.

16th May 2025