Probe into presidential security failure over motorcade mishap
An emergency motion was also moved in parliament demanding the removal of Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
MNDF said on Tuesday that it is investigating whether President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's security was breached in connection with the president's motorcade entering a rally held on Monday evening as part of a series of protests being held by the opposition coalition.
Police have launched an investigation into the "obstruction" of the president's motorcade during the protest in front of the PPM office on Monday night, events that are now a usual for the opposition PPM/PNC. Police have arrested four people in connection with the case.
However, the opposition says:
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The president's motorcade went to the spot while the party was protested
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Protesters were arrested for 'obstructing' motorcade, so that the police can escape being held responsible for security lapses
When asked by Atoll Times if they were looking into the president's security failure, an MNDF spokesman only said that they were looking into the matter.
An emergency motion was also moved in parliament demanding the removal of Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, saying the president's motorcade entering an ongoing protest was not considered a coincidence.
However, the plea was dismissed.
The inquiry report prepared by the parliament regarding the blast to assassinate Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed had pointed out that Nasheed's security was breached during the May 6, 2021 attack, and pointed towards negligence on the part of MNDF.
According to the inquiry report:
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Two days before the attack, Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb received information from a member of the public that Nasheed was planned to be assassinated
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Ilyas shared the same with Mariya right away, on May 4, 2021
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If the information has been shared by anyone with the police, there is a possibility of preventing the attack
