Only in the Maldives?

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Is there any country in the world where you can call the President a terrorist in public—and get away with it?

Yes. That place is the Maldives.

A friend of mine wrote a comment on Facebook calling President Nasheed a terrorist. He said, "Inform the terrorist Nasheed that we are going to start something like this,” referring to the Egyptian protests.

I tried to talk some sense into him. Not to argue, but to remind him of what that word really means. Thankfully, he deleted the comment.

But it made me think. In most countries, saying something like that could get you in serious trouble. Here, it’s just another comment online.

Is that freedom—or just a sign that we no longer take responsibility for our words?


For the record, let me just quote part of the comment thread here.

Ahmed Nadeem nimal u seem to go over board with emotions by labeling people terrorists. did u know that saying things like this to other people in this 100% muslim country is forbidden in Islam?
Yesterday at 9:27pm ·

Ahmed Nadeem and being a teacher, you should be a good example to your students, don't you think so?
Yesterday at 9:29pm · · 1 person

Mohamed Nimal Being a President or being a minister should be an example to others.. I was a teacher but no m more now... I am expressing my openion..
10:12 ·

Ahmed Nadeem labeling someone a terrorist is not an opinion, it is a serious accusation which you would have to explain in a court of law if this was any other president or government. I mean, how often can you publicly call a president a terrorist in any other country and get away with it? In fact, can you name a single country? I can't!!
12:41 ·

Mohamed Nimal Ruhumuge lolakah aibe nufennane Nadheem.. Rajjeyge rayyithun ge therein evves hagge nei meehun ge bolugai terrorist label elhiyas Ok dho..
15:07 · · 1 person

Ahmed Nadeem Nimal, does that give you the right to label others a terrorist? I don't think so. Does it give you the right to commit the same atrocities, because others are doing so? Don't think so again. BTW, thst saying "Ruhumuge...." there's another side to it. "Nuruhumuge lolakah heyo evves kameh nufennane." Think again and don't give me those lame excuses.
17:30 ·


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