Three Maldives ministers fired, after social media row with India

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has suspended members of government on Sunday for making “derogatory remarks” against Ithe Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Muizzu, who only recently secured victory in the September elections with promises, including the withdrawal of a small group of Indian troops operating maritime aircraft from his archipelago, has placed three deputy ministers on suspension pending an investigation.

Mariyam Shiuna, a deputy minister, labeled Modi a “clown” after the Prime Minister’s visit to the Indian territory of Lakshadweep, situated just north of the Maldives.

The trio of ministers facing suspension—Malsha Shareef, Abdulla Mahzoon, and Shiuna—all hail from the youth ministry and expressed criticism towards Modi on social media, according to officials.

In a statement, the Maldivian government acknowledged the existence of derogatory remarks on social media platforms targeting foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals.

“These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the government of Maldives.” Government sources have also said that an investigation has been ordered into the incident by the President. 

Several Indian public figures including cricketer Sachin Tendulkar have come out in support of the country, following the row, while promoting Indian tourist destinations with their posts.