Mohamed Latheef

Early life and education Latheef was born in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, historically known as Havaru Thinadhoo. He was also the brother of Abdul Samad Abdulla, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives.

He studied in Sri Lanka at Trinity College, Kandy and Royal College, Colombo, and later studied political science at the American University of Beirut. Chamber histories list Latheef among the early organisers and as a founding member of the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI); he later served as vice-president in 2002.

Parliamentary career In the 1989 elections, Latheef was elected to the People's Majlis for Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. In December 2000–January 2001, after backing a detainees’ rights bill, he was detained again; Amnesty International named him among several figures held without charge. Latheef greeting supporters in Malé after returning from exile, 2007.

Founding of the MDP and role in the democracy movement Following the 2003 crisis after the killing of Evan Naseem, Latheef organised the formation of the Maldivian Democratic Party in exile in Colombo. He led efforts to establish the party’s organisation, diplomatic outreach, media strategy and foundational manifesto, and served as spokesperson engaging international media and diplomatic missions.

Personal life Latheef was married to Wafiyya Najeeb. He had three children: Jennifer Latheef, a human rights defender recognised by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience in 2005–2006; Ahmed Latheef; and Marnie Latheef.

Death and legacy Latheef died in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 3 July 2022, aged 70. People have described Latheef's death as an "irreplacable loss" to the country and has been credited as a co-founder to the democracy movement in the Maldives. His 1990–91 detention and banishment, and later detentions in 2000–01, were recorded by Amnesty International and cited by rights groups at the time. Later roles as Human Rights Ambassador and SAHR co-chair reflected his continuing engagement with regional and international human-rights networks.