Maldives government on Tuesday lambasted self-exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed accusing him of "misusing the international media to spread fabricated information in the hope of gaining personal benefits."
Speaking to reporters in neighbouring Sri Lanka on Monday, Nasheed who was convicted of contentious terrorism charges alleged that incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom of facilitating the spread of radical Islam with a terrorist component in the Maldives, reiterating that a "hidden state" within the Maldivian state was helping the president stay in power.
Government in a statement shared with the international media expressed disappointment by the "false allegations" which it said "create misunderstandings about the real Maldives."
The statement accused Nasheed of amplifying the threat of terrorism in the Maldives for "personal political benefit," assuring that counter terrorism remains its top priority.
“We also wish to assure that although there is no immediate threat of a terror attack in the Maldives, the Government will not ease on any efforts of monitoring and assessing threat levels, while taking appropriate actions where necessary," the statement read.
“In today’s world, no country big or small is immune from the actions of terrorists. No country can assure the safety of its shores from the threats of terrorism. Maldives being a tourist destination, will not relent in our efforts to ensure the safety and security of our people and the many visitors we host.”
