Second part of May 6 terrorist attack to focus on "links and finances"

The government's special envoy in the investigation into the assassination attempt on Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that first part of the probe has concluded and that next up is "links and finances".

Abbas Faiz was appointed by the government on May 19 to monitor the investigation, prosecution and trial process of the May 6 attack.

While police in July completed the investigations into five of the suspects, Prosecutor General's (PG) Office last week charged four of the suspects; the Office said there was not enough evidence to charge the fifth suspect.

Welcoming this, Faiz said investigators are now expected to focus on the second part of the attack "thoroughly and speedily", which includes investigating the links and finances of the terrorist attack.

He added that Maldives Police Service and the PG Office assured that "wider links and financing are being investigated".

While Abbas said this, police during a press conference held on July 24 said that there was no proof of a financial motive behind the attack despite the attackers with no income having made numerous expenses including purchasing a motorcycle and renting an apartment to prepare the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) used in attack.

The human rights expert further revealed support for Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem's call for a public trial in the case.

A total of 10 suspects have been arrested in relation to the attack, with the PG Office extending the investigation deadline of the remaining suspects until August 20.

Former President Nasheed was the target of an IED attack in Maldives' congested capital on May 6. He sustained near-fatal injuries in the blast, and underwent 16 hours of "life-saving" surgery at ADK Hospital.

The investigation is ongoing with assistance from the Australian Federal Police and American experts.