May 6 attack: PG to travel to UK with police team, to take Nasheed's statement

Prosecutor General (PG) Hussain Shameem and a delegation of police officers are preparing to travel to the United Kingdom to procure a statement from Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed, for the investigation into the attempt on his life back in May.

Nasheed's lawyer Nazim Sattar stated that his client was prepared to give a statement for the probe adding that he wished to do so before the conclusion of the preliminary hearings against the suspects charged in the attack. Nazim added that the former president wished for the process to conclude quickly and efficiently.

While Nasheed is to have sent a letter to PG Shameem informing of his decision to make a statement, RaajjeMV understands that discussions are underway for a team to travel to the UK to obtain the statement.

They have yet to finalize details including dates for travel, and RaajjeMV has learnt that Covid-19 restrictions have been delaying the process. Maldives is still un UK's red list despite expecting to move to amber last month, meaning almost all travel from the country to UK is banned.

Authorities have yet to make an official statement regarding the matter.

PG Shameem had previously highlighted the importance of Speaker Nasheed’s statement for the investigation. Police have stated likewise as well. Due to the importance of a statement on his side, Nasheed appointed his younger brother Nazim as his attorney on August 5.

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.

As of now, the individuals being charged in the May 6 assassination attempt targeting Nasheed, are Mujaz Ahmed, Thahmeen Ahmed, Ali Haisham and Adhuham Ahmed Rasheed. Adhuham, who has signed a plea deal with the state for a reduced 23-year sentence, was identified as the man who detonated the IED on May 6.

While 12 charges have been raised against the four, PG Office decided against raising charges against a fifth suspect Ahmed Fathih "for now". Investigations into five other suspects continue as well.

As for Speaker Nasheed, he remains hesitant to return to the Maldives before bomb attack probe concludes, and is currently on extended leave from the People's Majlis.

In a letter he sent to Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla -who is presiding over the sittings during Nasheed's absence- he stated that his family and well-wishers do not wish for him to return home until the investigation into his assassination attempt concludes and all culprits are brought to justice.

He is currently in the United Kingdom (UK), having traveled there from Germany for further treatment for the injuries he faced in the attack.