Image Source: France24
Maldives – Two Maldivian-Palestinian activists were arrested following a series of protests against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and their aggression toward Palestinians in occupied territories.
Dr Shazra Ibrahim and Aishath Shadhiya were detained for organising and leading pro-Palestinian rallies outside several foreign embassies, including those of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
The protests aimed to raise awareness about the complicity of various governments in the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Israeli human rights violations in occupied territories, and to encourage a boycott of Israeli products.
Recalling the day of the arrest, Dr Ibrahim described how a squadron of police officers ambushed them inside a building. Although they were protesting peacefully and within the boundaries of the law, the pair were taken into custody by law enforcement after a court-issued arrest warrant was enforced.
Dr Ibrahim expressed her shock and disappointment that their government, which identifies as Muslim, would arrest them for standing up for Palestinians, who have suffered under Israeli occupation for over 75 years.
She also felt that the government had violated its own principles by arresting them for exercising their right to free speech. Both activists believed this action exposed the government’s role in suppressing voices that advocate for human rights and justice.
“Under our law, we are permitted freedom of expression and the right to protest in front of embassies. This is something people all over the world are doing right now. The Palestinian cause is important, and there is an international uproar, with many speaking up against the atrocities committed by the Israelis for the past 76 years in Palestine.”
“We did the same; we are activists who wanted to amplify the voices of Palestinians. We were quite taken aback and shocked to learn that our government, a country that we call 100% Muslim, with a government that is 100% Muslim, issued warrants for our arrest.”
Shadhiya shared similar feelings, pointing out the absurdity of the overwhelming police presence for just two women, which made them feel as though they were being treated like dangerous criminals. She stressed that their peaceful protest did not justify such an excessive reaction.
“I felt like we were terrorists. If they have such a big force to arrest us, it means we must have been carrying weapons and those kinds of things. But actually, everyone knows this: all governments, both Muslim and non-Muslim, are trying to silence the voices that raise opposition against them.”
“We all know our purpose is simple but powerful. These embassies represent global power and diplomacy, and we demand that those in power take action. We refuse to remain silent while innocent lives are being lost.”
Dr Ibrahim, however, believes that their harsh detention exposed the hypocrisy of their government and politicians, who publicly advocate for human rights while silently supporting the oppression of Palestinians. She views this as a clear reminder that those in power often prioritise political alliances over a genuine commitment to justice and human rights.
“This gave me more motivation and more zest to strive for the Palestinian cause because it taught me a lesson. It tells me that there are people behind the masks who are working for the Israelis and supporting them. Still, they do not have the audacity to publicly declare their support for Israel.”
Despite the court’s 45-day ban on protests, both women remain resolute. They intend to keep advocating for the Palestinian cause by organising rallies in public spaces where their voices can still be heard.
For Shadhiya, the ban is just a temporary setback, and they are determined to use this time to build even greater support for their efforts.
“We will continue to protest, to speak out, and to act peacefully and powerfully until justice prevails. We will not stop raising our voices against this genocide. We ask you all to stand with us, to amplify this voice, and to ensure the world never forgets that every life, Palestinian or otherwise, matters.”
“Being jailed is nothing to fear. It doesn’t mean you have no right to speak on what you’ve been jailed for. Rather, being jailed strengthens our resolve and makes our protest grow even larger. We will continue. This government cannot make us go backwards.”
