Shahindha Ismail

Shahindha Ismail is a Maldivian activist working to protect human rights in the Maldives. Ismail is the founder and executive director of the Maldivian Democracy Network, the first and longest-running NGO in the country. This non-profit aims to protect the rights and freedoms of Maldivians, who have witnessed decades of political turmoil as the country has transitioned from a British colony to an independent republic. Through her organization, Shahindaha campaigns for government transparency, free speech, and upholding the Constitution of the Maldives. In December of 2017, Ismail tweeted a statement supporting Maldivians’ right to practice the religion of their choice. As a result, Ismail was publicly denounced by several local news outlets, and the police began an investigation of Ismail as a form of intimidation. 

Despite the persecution she has faced, Ismail has stood by her comments. She continues to advocate for freedom of religion in the face of fundamentalism, along with basic human rights for all Maldivians.