Mahfooz, who was stabbed 10 years ago, becomes subject of death threat

Maldives Police Service has launched an investigation into a death threat against lawyer Mahfooz Saeed, who was seriously injured in a stabbing on Male’ street 10 years ago.

Mahfooz received a threatening message on the social media platform X from an account named ‘Journalist Gasam’, which asked if he wanted to be stabbed.

Mahfooz shared the post with a touch of sarcasm, expressing gratitude for seeking his opinion on such an important matter ahead of time. However, he stressed that there was no justiciation to stab him, therewith, appealed against such an act.

Police has launched an investigation into the case.

Mahfooz is a lawyer in MDP’s legal team.

The party’s leader Abdulla Shahid and chairperson Fayyaz Ismail have condemned the death threats against Mahfooz via posts on X.

In this regard, Shahid denounced any calls or threats of violence against any individual, whether be it carried out online or any other way.

“I call on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and take action accordingly at the earlier,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fayyaz stressed that such threats should not be treated lightly.

Mahfooz currently serves as a lawyer for former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain in the constitutional case filed with the Supreme Court seeking to nullify controversial anti-defection clauses written into the constitution last year.

On the evening of September 4, 2015, Mahfooz was stabbed in the head with a knife on Male’ streets.

The knife, which was wedged two inches deep into his skull near his temple, was removed after a three-hour surgery. He received treatment for serious injuries he sustained in the stabbing from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and a hospital in Sril Lanka.

Four suspects were charged in connection to the attack; Shafraaz Ibrahim, Karankaage, R. Inguraidhoo, Khalid Nafeeu, H. Senaa, K. Male’, Ahmed Raidh, Hulhumale’ Flat No: 11270, Firaz Jaufar Dhafthar No: 6201.

Out of the four suspects – Shazfraaz and Raaidh were charged with intentional attempted murder. Meanwhile, the remaining two suspects were charged with participated in an intentional attempted murder – after both were accused of spying on Mahfooz.

Criminal Court acquitted all four suspects in December 2022, citing the prosecution failed to prove who had exactly attacked Mahfooz.

At the time of the stabbing, Mahfooz was working as a defense attorney for former president Mohamed Nasheed.