Nasheed’s lawyers: Trying to bring him back is exposing him to more danger

Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed’s lawyers have stated that trying to bring Nasheed back to the Maldives at the moment means exposing him to more danger.

Nasheed’s lawyers had said this in response to some comments made by Dhiggaru MP Ikram Hassan – an MDP member – during a parliamentary debate today.

Speaking at a Majilis session held today, Ikram had stated that there is no longer a valid reason for Nasheed to be unable to return to the Maldives. He then added that the measures currently being enforced by the government assure enhanced security to Nasheed – compared to before.

Nasheed’s lawyers had issued a statement following this, expressing their concern over Ikram’s comments.

“While Ikram has stated that Nasheed will be provided better security than before – the Police have admitted that they have not still been able to apprehend those that schemed and funded the assassination attempt against Nasheed,” the statement had read.

In addition to this, the lawyers noted that the comments made by Ikram were highly irresponsible and described them as words that would be unacceptable to even the people of his constituency.

The lawyers also requested not to underestimate the danger posed to Nasheed in order to get him to come back to the Maldives.

A homemade remote-controlled IED was strapped to a 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.  

Nasheed is presently in the UK – seeking further treatment for the injuries he sustained in the assassination attempt. He has recently requested the Parliament to grant an extension to his leave, and allow him to remain overseas.

Police have arrested 10 suspects in connection to the case and requested the Prosecutor General’s Office for charges against 5 suspects. Charges against four of the suspects were filed on August 3. Their trial began at the Criminal Court last Saturday.