Seven soldiers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s Special Protection Group have been arrested, for allegedly releasing top secret information.
According to some SPG officers, arrested include Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer’s bodyguard Ahmed Shaaneez, former President Mohamed Nasheed’s bodyguard during his term in office, Simad Ahmed who was later parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh's bodyguard, as well as two officers previously stationed at the parliament premises. Details of the three remaining officers are unclear.
While MNDF officers have been arrested, the Parliament and Supreme Court are currently under military siege, following the declaration of a state of emergency on 5th February.
MNDF is yet to reveal any details regarding the arrested officers.
A former SPG officer, who works with senior officials of the current administration, said that all seven officers are detained in Girifushi island of Kaafu atoll, where MNDF’s training programmes are held.
The families have been told that the officers are not under arrest, but “on duty”.
