Maldives Police Service has launched an investigation into a “verbal attack” on former President, Dr. Mohamed Waheed.
A statement by the former president’s office said that Waheed and wife, Ilham Hussain, were “stalked and verbally” attacked while out for their morning exercise on Sunday.
The statement identified their stalker as “an individual associated with the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Further noting that Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) security personnel were present, the statement said that the incident was reported to police “immediately”.
“Though the individual was within arms reach of the former President and the First Lady, he did not physically assault either and as per the existing practice of the MNDF’s Special Protection group, they did not intervene. Nonetheless, this prolonged attacked represents both verbal and physical (by proximity) intimidation, harassment, and abuse, and the use of vulgar and obscene language is deplorable”Statement by the office of Former President Mohamed Waheed
Further noting that “the propagation of hate erodes the social fabric and debilitates the community and has no place in public life”, the statement said that “hate, xenophobia, racism, and targeted abuse must be refuted, defied, and overcome”.
The former president also thanked those that expressed concern, via the statement.
Noting that the incident was reported at around 7:07am, police confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the matter.
Waheed came into power after the resignation of former President Mohamed Nasheed; he was Nasheed’s running mate in the 2008 presidential elections and his administration’s vice president. While Nasheed claims that he was forced out of office in a coup, his MDP described Waheed as “a traitor”.
