President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed the government would receive assistance from the Australian Federal Police in the investigation into the explosion on May 6 that wounded the Speaker of Parliament, members of the Speaker’s security detail and several bystanders.
In a televised address to the nation, President Solih stated a team from the Australian Federal Police would arrive on May 8 to aid Maldives’ authorities in the investigation. President Solih assured a swift and thorough investigation into the explosion on Neeloafaru Hingun, outside Speaker of Parliament and former President Mohamed Nasheed’s residence. He affirmed that the perpetrators would face the full force of the law.
President Solih described the explosion as an attack on Maldives’ democracy and economy. Condemning the incident in the strongest of terms, the President assured that the government would take every necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of the people.
Following the attack that left Speaker Nasheed requiring surgery for multiple injuries, President Solih held an emergency session of his Cabinet in Mulee’aage, the official residence of the President. At the meeting, the President discussed with his cabinet the steps taken immediately following the incident and ensuing investigations into the matter. Condemning the incident in the strongest terms, the President and his cabinet deliberated on expediting the investigation and discussed ways of strengthening and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
The President also convened the National Security Council (NSC) for an emergency meeting, following the incident. At the meeting held in Mulee’aage, members of the National Security Council briefed President Solih with the latest on the steps taken immediately following the incident and subsequent investigation. They also deliberated on measures on strengthening and ensuring the safety and security of the public.