Probe into assassination attempt on Nasheed likely to conclude in July: PG

Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem has stated that the investigation into the assassination attempt on the life of former president and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, is likely to conclude in July.

PG Shameem noted that this is the most dangerous and life-threatening terrorist attack Maldives has seen yet and that the investigation has been highly prioritized. Highlighting that a prosecutor from the PG Office is active alongside the investigative team, Shameem stated that he is content with the speed of the investigation.

As such, the PG said that the investigation is proceeding at a swift speed, with the joint efforts from the PG Office, Maldives Police Service as well as foreign experts.

Shameem went on to note that the investigative team briefs him with the progress of the investigation, on a weekly basis.

Stressing that such cases are challenging to probe, Shameem stated that they require an average speed, as delaying it will cause losses and speeding it up will also pose similar risks. As such, a hasty investigation will lead to authorities being unable to locate all those responsible for the attack and delaying the probe might lead to evidence being hindered.

Shameem expressed confidence that the investigation will conclude by the end of July, and they will be able to forward charges in connection to the case by August 5. With this being said Shameem assured that they will put in their best efforts to forward the case to the Criminal Court even before that.

While it has been a month since the IED explosive targeting Nasheed’s life was detonated near his residence on the main road of Malé City, the police earlier noted that the investigations will take longer to complete and that the investigative team is putting in their best efforts to wrap it up as swiftly as possible.

The authority has given its assurance that those involved in the attack including prime suspects, those who funded the assassination attempt and those who conspired to carry out the act will be brought to justice.

All four suspects arrested in connection to the attack initially, were those who supported extremist ideologies. 10 others were arrested in the counter-terrorism operation launched following the attack, with raids in 25 areas. As the investigation is being conducted under the instructions of the Prosecutor General, Basheer noted that there will be no challenges in raising charges against those involved.

MPS and MNDF’s presence has remained across the Greater Malé Region since the attack as both institutions continue to conduct special operations against religious extremism across Maldives. Although four suspects were initially arrested in connection to the case, including a prime suspect, authorities in late May revealed that 14 suspects had been arrested with suspected links to the assassination attempt on Nasheed.