Ex-pres. Maumoon to be presented special November 3rd shield

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to honor former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, the recipient of the Most Honorable Order of Distinguished Rule of Ghaazee, with a special November 3rd commemorative shield.

The President will also be presenting commemorative shields to the families of martyrs who died during the November 3 coup d'état. The shield will be presented to the recipients during the official reception held to commemorate this year’s Victory Day, scheduled for 9:00am at Social Centre on Monday.

According to the President’s Office, President Muizzu decided to honor Maumoon with the special November 3rd commemorative shield in recognition of the exemplary courage, leadership, and invaluable contributions as the leader of the country during the November 3 coup d'état. Meanwhile, the Office said President Muizzu decided to award commemorative shields to the soldiers and civilians who were martyred in the attack, in acknowledgment of their sacrifice on a national scale.

President Muizzu is scheduled to address the nation during Monday's ceremony. 

The foiled attack of November 3, 1988, was orchestrated by a group of Maldivians with the aid of armed mercenaries from Tamil secessionist organization People's Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), in an attempt to overthrow then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration.

The attack killed 19 Maldivian citizens - eight soldiers and 11 civilians - and left scores more injured.

It is commemorated in the Maldives as Victory Day.