Defence minister says didn't fail in attack on Nasheed

Defence minister Mariya Ahmed Didi said on Wednesday that she does not believe that she had failed to ensure his safety during the 2021 bombing targeting parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.

Mariya was summoned to parliament on Wednesday for questioning. 

"Do you believe that it is your failure as the defence minister to not have provided safety and security to the people when a bomb was planted and exploded on one of the busiest roads in Male?," Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam asked Mariya.

Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb had earlier said that he had reported to Mariya after receiving information that a group of people were planning to carry out such an act before the attack to assassinate Nasheed.

"I'm very clear about this. I don't believe [that I failed]," Mariya said.

"However, if any honourable member believes that a minister has failed because of what he or she does or doesn't do, I believe that the constitution and the law grant the authority to take action against such a minister."

In addition to that question, Shiyam asked two questions. 

Responding to these questions, Mariya pointed out that the law defines the duties of the defence minister.

"I have never done anything illegal, nor have I done anything that will harm the government or the people," Mariya said.

On May 6, 2021, as he left home to reach Kurumba Maldives resort for an unofficial meeting, while walking with his bodyguard to his car parked on Majeedhee Magu, a bomb exploded near the car.

Nasheed suffered serious injuries in the attack and sought treatment not only at ADK Hospital but also in Germany and the United Kingdom.

A total of 13 cases have been registered against four persons in connection with the attack. The charge sheet was filed against:

Adhuham, who led the attack and confessed to carrying out the bombing, was jailed for 23 years.