MP Nizar accused of assault; investigation begins three months after alleged crime
MP Ali Nizar is accused of assault against military officers
MP Ali Nizar is accused of assault against military officers
Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched an investigation into Hithdhaoo-South constituency MP Ali Nizar, three months after the alleged crime.
The MP is accused of assault on military officers, who were assigned to handle security at the parliament on the 31st of July.
He presented himself to the police headquarters for questioning on Wednesday afternoon, as per his summon notice.
Speaking afterwards, MP Nizar expressed concern regarding the investigation, launched three months after without any prior questioning. He said that this indicates "that there is political influence".
He emphasized that assault allegations against an officer "is not a small matter".
Furthermore, noting that the parliamentarians have a certain responsibility in the parliament chamber, MP Nizar emphasized that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is only responsible for the security at the parliament premises, and "nothing more".
He added that this is part of the government's continued intimidation against opposition parliamentarians.
While an investigation has been launched against Nizar regarding the events that unfolded at the parliament premises on 31st July, obstruction charges have been raised against 12 opposition parliamentarians for entering the parliament grounds on 24th July, despite being locked down by the military. A hearing in the case is scheduled for late November.
