Nasheed vows to continue attending protests despite denial of MNDF security

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, the chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has vowed to continue attending protests despite the recent decision by the Parliament’s Security Services Committee (241 Committee to deny former Maldivian presidents the VIP security they receive from Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), when they attend demonstrations.

The decision was made by the committee in a closed-door meeting on June 29.

At a press briefing on Sunday afternoon, Nasheed, who survived an attempt on his life in 2021, described the decision as a serious threat to national security.

He said that most of the attacks on political leaders happen during gatherings.

“This is of great concern. This is of such great concern because, as you must be aware, most of the attacks of political leaders happen during gatherings. Not just in the Maldives. Even if you take a look at the greater South Asia, Asian countries or Africa, most attacks happen during political gatherings,” he said.

Nasheed said that public gatherings are always at high risk for acts of terrorism, and therefore require the greatest attention by security forces.

He said that such an attack poses a threat to the safety not just of political leaders, but also endangers the lives of civilians.

Nasheed has long been classified a “high-risk” target by security services due to ongoing threats from religious extremists.

On May 6, 2021, Nasheed was targeted with a homemade remote-controlled IED as he exited his residence in Male’. Nasheed sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, while three members of his security detail and two bystanders sustained minor wounds.

Nasheed said on Sunday that he will continue to attend protests despite the withdrawal of MNDF security.

Sun has learnt through a credible source that the amendment to MNDF regulations was proposed by Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef, a lawmaker from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

The PNC used its supermajority to pass the motion, despite pushback from three non-ruling party members; Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), North Maafannu MP Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim from the Maldives National Party (MNP), and Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakr, an independent who is usually aligned with the PNC.

The move to deny VIP security to former presidents come after former Maldivian leaders Nasheed, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom agreed to form an alliance in May, to work against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.

Both MDP and PNF have been holding anti-government protests in Male’, with Nasheed, who was recently elected as the chairperson of MDP, vowing to increase civil action to increase the pressure.