Nasheed says removing security at protests could lead to terrorist attack

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern over a parliamentary committee's decision to withdraw Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) security for former presidents while they are participating in political protests, warning that the move could increase security risks at public gatherings.

Nasheed made the remarks during a press conference at the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) headquarters on Sunday.

Last week, Parliament's Committee on National Security Services decided to amend the regulation governing MNDF VIP protection so that former presidents would not receive military security while taking part in street protests.

Commenting on the decision, Nasheed said political leaders around the world are often targeted during public gatherings, making such events particularly vulnerable to attacks.

"Not just in the Maldives, but looking at South Asia, other Asian nations, or Africa, attacks are most frequently launched from within political gatherings. Consequently, a large number of bystanders end up harmed," Nasheed said.

"Sometimes 30 people are killed, and other times 80 people die. The security forces need to maintain safety most critically during public gatherings. The fear of a terrorist attack targeting a gathering will always be there."

Nasheed said withdrawing security from such events could have wider implications for public safety and urged that the committee's decision not be implemented.

"If security is cut, the likelihood of a terrorist attack targeting those political gatherings is very high. It remains a real danger even now," he said.

Nasheed survived an assassination attempt in May 2021 when an explosive device detonated near his home in Malé.

He also said the issue should not be approached from a political perspective and that the MNDF should continue providing security at political gatherings.

Responding to a question from Dhauru on whether he would continue to participate in protests without a security detail, Nasheed said he would.

"My participation in protests will not come to a halt. Even if security is withdrawn, I will still take to the streets for protests. No one should view the two things as interconnected," he said.

"My concern is not solely about my own death. It is about the fact that many other people could be harmed. This is not something to be taken lightly or handled with a purely political mindset."