President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday warned that individuals using social media to incite violence, threaten citizens, or encourage criminal activity will face the full force of the law.
In a national security address delivered via social media, President Ali said authorities have taken serious note of inflammatory statements circulating online, including those relating to ongoing legal proceedings.
He said credible information gathered, along with international partners, suggests possible links between certain statements and planned criminal activities targeting individuals, public and private property and essential services.
“These matters are under active investigation, including efforts to establish the identities, roles, and involvement of those responsible for planning, directing, financing, or executing any criminal act.”
The president warned against attempts to organise unlawful activities, including obstructing public roadways, sabotaging infrastructure, threatening public officials and private citizens, and using social media to incite violence.
He said such conduct could attract charges under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, including Section 309A and applicable terrorism-related provisions, where the necessary legal requirements are established.
The government, Dr Ali emphasised, respects citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
