Suspect remanded in custody in connection with attack on Dept Minister

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack on Transport Ministry's Deputy Minister Shimaz Ali.

Speaking to AVAS, a media official from Maldives Police Service said a 21-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the attack. He said he was arrested on November 22 and has now been remanded in custody for ten days.

Shimaz was attacked at a time when serious differences have transpired between him and Transport Minister Aishath Nahla. The minister had earlier asked President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to remove Shimaz from his post on corruption charges. The minister reportedly accuses Shimaz of corruption in vehicle-related work within the Transport Ministry. However, Shimaz denies the allegations.

Some people had previously threatened Shimaz and vandalized his motorcycle.