Speaker of the Parliament and former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed has said he is apprehensive about returning to the Maldives before the investigation into the May 6 terror attack is concluded.
A terror attack was carried out against Nasheed on May 6 by detonating an IED as he entered his vehicle near his residence in capital Male'. According to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), the IED was strapped to a motorcycle parked nearby. Nasheed sustained serious injuries in the attack and multiple critical surgeries were performed on Nasheed at ADK Hospital in Male'. Nasheed later traveled to Germany on May 13 for additional treatment, and he is currently recuperating from his injuries in the United Kingdom.
The Parliament commenced the first sitting of its third session of 2021 on Monday. During the sitting, a letter sent to Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Eva Abdulla by Speaker Nasheed was readout. In the letter, Nasheed said the police had informed him that the investigation into the May 6 attack remains incomplete. Nasheed said he feels reluctant and apprehensive to return to the Maldives before the investigation is fully completed, and those behind the attack are brought in front of justice. He added that his family and well-wishers also share the same sentiment on the matter. Therefore, he requests the parliament to extend his leave such that he can remain abroad for the time being, said Nasheed in his letter.
Nasheed further said although he is on leave, he would continue to serve the country from afar. In this regard, he will continue to do the work of the Interparliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as well as climate change efforts, said Nasheed.
The last parliamentary sitting Nasheed attended was the final sitting of the first session of the parliament.
