Obstruction of president's motorcade: charges raised against five
The charges were raised against all five individuals at the Criminal Court
PGO has filed charges against five individuals arrested in connection with the obstruction of president's motorcade
The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has filed charges against five individuals arrested in connection with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s security being breached by the opposition.
The Maldivian president’s security was breached by the opposition while he was returning from the official function held in Hulhumalé to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, on 20 March, 2023.
His motorcade was passing through Boduthakurufaanu road when opposition protesters stopped his car and blocked his path.
Videos circulating on social media show that the president’s motorcade was blocked near Cibo restaurant. The videos show police officers trying to stop the protestors from blocking the motorcade.
Some protesters took to social media saying that the president was unable to travel through the area and had to withdraw the motorcade.
A total of five individuals were arrested in connection with the case, four men and a woman.
Charges were raised against; Hulhumale' Plot 11328, Mohamed Abbas, Register No. RS9151 Ahmed Rasheed, Hulhumale' Flat 154-2-06, Ahmed Azeel, G.A. Dhehvadhoo, Estonvilla, Ahmed Sinan and Sh. Bilehfahi Shady Corner, Mariyam Maashaa.
As such, Mohammed Abbas, Ahmed Rasheed and Ahmed Azeel were charged with obstruction of public proceedings under Section 533 of the Penal Code on 31 May 2023.
Ahmed Sinan and Mariyam Maashaa was charged with aggravated assault under Section 615 of the Penal Code and obstruction of public proceedings Section 533 of the same Act, on 16 May 2023.
The charges were raised against all five individuals at the Criminal Court.
Minister of Defence and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi, in consultation with the leadership of the National Defence Force, earlier constituted a special committee to investigate the matter.
The People’s Majlis Committee on National Security Services or the 241 Committee is also looking into the matter of President Solih’s motorcade being obstructed.
Commanding Officer of the Presidential Guards, Colonel Abdullah Ibrahim was temporarily relieved of his duties, in connection with the case. The unit has since been temporarily handed over to Deputy Commander Major Ahmed Haleem.
The president’s security breach shook the nation, with some people asserting that this act cannot be seen as a political gimmick, with some even stressing that President Solih wasn’t given the full level of security he required at the time.
