Fathimath Shiba, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate for the North Hulhumalé constituency in the Women’s Development Committee elections, was brutally attacked after being struck by a motorcycle. Sources suggest the attack may have been politically motivated, possibly involving PNC-backed actors.
The incident took place late Thursday . Shiba had just finished her door-to-door campaign when a group approached from behind at high speed and deliberately hit her motorcycle.
She suffered severe injuries, including a fractured nose and the loss of several teeth, along with multiple injuries to other parts of her body. She was rushed to Hulhumalé Hospital, where she remains under medical care.
This attack comes amid growing political tension ahead of the 2026 local council elections, suggesting a dangerous pattern of violence by those seeking to suppress opposition voices.
This is not an isolated incident. In March 2025, MDP activist Mariyam Zubair was attacked when a group linked to PNC threw engine oil on her. To this day, no one has been held accountable.
Even now, Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shifan has called Shiba’s attack a “traffic accident,” dismissing it before any proper investigation. This is yet another example of political violence being tolerated or even enabled by those in power.
How many more activists must be attacked before anyone is held responsible?
This is no longer just politics. This is a deliberate attack on democracy, safety, and the rule of law. The PNC is showing, in broad daylight, that it will stop at nothing to control power — even if it means harming citizens.
