Spokesperson of the President’s Office Mohamed Mabrook Azeez has revealed temporary residences have been allocated for the Speaker of Parliament and Chief Justice, until permanent residences can be arranged.
Official residences are being provided to the Speaker of Parliament and Chief Justice, following the amendments brought to the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act, and the Judges’ Act of the Maldives. The amendments stipulate the provision of an official residence for the Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice and their families, with security provided by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Speaking on the progress of allocating official residences for the Speaker and Chief Justice, Spokesperson Mabrook Azeez said temporary residences have now been allocated until permanent residences can be arranged. He noted some minor repair and renovation is currently ongoing before relocating the families of the Speaker and Chief Justice. He added efforts are also underway to arrange permanent residences for the Speaker and Chief Justice.
The decision to provide official residences to the Speaker and Chief Justice was made following the May 6 terrorist attack against Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attached to a motorcycle was triggered near the residence of Speaker Nasheed as he was getting into his car on the night of May 6, severely wounding him and some innocent bystanders.
The speaker underwent life-saving surgeries at ADK Hospital in Male’ for his injuries, before being transported to Germany for further treatment. He is currently in the UK seeking additional treatment for his injuries.