MP seeks questioning of security chiefs over deaths, disappearances of officers at sea
Police officer Ahmed Naafiu and military officer Ibrahim Ahmed have also been missing since 6 August after taking part in an operation.
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A request has been submitted to Parliament to summon the heads of the country's security forces for questioning over maritime operations during the past four months that resulted in the deaths of two officers and left a police officer and a military officer missing.
The request was submitted by Galolhu Uthuru MP Mohamed Ibrahim, known as Kudoo, of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), seeking a review by Parliament's Security Services Committee, known as the 241 Committee.
The incidents cited in the request include the death of military officer Mohamed Mahdee on 26 May during a search and rescue operation for Italian divers and the death of police officer Ahmed Asif on 11 June during a maritime counter-narcotics operation.
Police officer Ahmed Naafiu and military officer Ibrahim Ahmed have also been missing since 6 August after taking part in an operation to assist a vessel that was taking on water while travelling to Huvadhu Atoll.
Mohamed Ibrahim said the incidents had occurred within a period of about four months and questioned whether investigations had been conducted to determine the circumstances and whether any party had been held accountable.
He asked the 241 Committee to summon the relevant leadership of the Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to answer questions regarding the incidents.
Among the issues raised by Mohamed Ibrahim is whether an official investigation or inquiry was conducted into each death and disappearance. He also sought information on whether any investigation identified negligence or failure to perform duties and, if so, what measures were taken in response.
The MP also called for clarification on the safety standards applied to officers taking part in maritime operations. He asked whether guidelines covering officer safety are documented and implemented, and whether administrative or other reviews have examined compliance with those standards.
His submission also seeks information on the resources available at maritime operation centres operated by the police and MNDF, including whether the centres have equipment required for such operations and whether personnel have received training for maritime operations.
Mohamed Ibrahim also asked what procedural reviews were conducted following the operation to locate divers in Vaavu Atoll and the counter-narcotics operation in June.
Regarding the 6 August vessel incident, he sought information on the risk assessment procedures used before personnel are deployed for operations involving safety risks.
The MP also requested details of any changes planned to security policies and operational procedures to reduce the risk of deaths, injuries and disappearances during future operations.
Another issue raised in the submission concerns the status and entitlements of the personnel involved. Mohamed Ibrahim asked whether authorities had formally determined that the officers died or went missing in the line of duty and whether their families would receive compensation and benefits provided under applicable laws.
The request comes as questions continue to be raised over the circumstances surrounding the incidents and the procedures followed during the operations.
The family of Mahdee, who died during the search for the Italian divers, and the family of Naafiu, who remains missing following the vessel incident, have also raised concerns over the circumstances of the incidents and how subsequent investigations were handled.
