Former Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, Ahmed Mahloof, has clarified the Maldivian government's decision to dissolve the Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) following international scrutiny.

In a statement posted on X, Mahloof explained that the MDN's dissolution was executed in accordance with all procedural requirements outlined in the Associations Act.

Mahloof elaborated that the MDN was disbanded because it had allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad and contradicted Islamic principles.

He noted that the rationale behind the decision was thoroughly communicated to him through meetings and discussions with various international parties.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) has since issued a review report questioning the fairness of the investigation leading to the MDN's dissolution.

The ICCPR's report suggests that the decision may not have undergone a just process.

The MDN was reportedly disbanded in 2019 following a contentious report on Islam, which criticized aspects of the religion, including jihad and certain punishments, as being inhumane.

Mahloof assured that the dissolution opens the way for associations to operate freely, provided they adhere to Islamic principles and national laws.