Defense Minister Mariya summoned for questioning in May 6 inquiry

Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi was summoned before the Parliament’s Security Services Committee (241 Committee) on Monday for its inquiry into the breach of Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed’s security in relation to IED attack outside his residence last May.

A homemade remote-controlled IED was strapped to motorcycle parked nearby Nasheed’s residence, and was detonated at 08:27 pm on May 6, just as Nasheed, 54, exited his residence and went to get in his car. Nasheed was thrown to the ground and sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, while three members of his security detail and two bystanders sustained minor wounds.

He was rushed to ADK Hospital, where he underwent multiple lifesaving surgeries to remove ball bearings and other shrapnel, some of which perforated his internal organs.

Some of Nasheed’s supporters allege the attack resulted from a security failure, and that Mariya herself should be liable – especially after Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb said he received information from a private citizen regarding a USD 3 million contract to assassinate Nasheed prior to the attack, and shared the information with Mariya.

Mariya herself has admitted to receiving the information and said it was not considered “credible, actionable intelligence”.

Nasheed’s supporters believe both Mariya and Ilyas to be criminally liable for failure to report the information to the police.

The 241 Committee has also questioned other top officials at Defense Ministry for the inquiry.

The scope of the inquiry:

• Establishing whether security services or any other state institution received prior intelligence of the attack
• Identifying the established standards for protection and security by security services
• Identifying the standard protocol for providing safety and security to Nasheed
• Identifying the standard protocol for collecting and responding to financial intelligence
• Assessing adherence to legal framework

The police are treating the May 6 blast as a targeted terror attack to assassinate Nasheed. They have made three arrests in connection to the case: Ahmed Adhuham Rasheed, 26, Hiyaa, GDh. Thinadhoo; Mujaz Ahmed, 21, Ma. Feyruge, K. Male’; and Thahmeen Ahmed, 32, Folheyma, GA. Kondey. Adhuham is believed to be the man who detonated the IED.