VP: Those behind boat blast will be brought to justice

Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has said that those responsible for the recent explosion on the presidential speedboat, Finifenmaa, will be brought to justice.

Adeeb made this remark at a press conference at the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Office today, held for the party to voice condemnation following the incident.

“I have full confidence that those responsible for this will have to face the law and the courts, and will be brought to justice,” he said.

Adeeb also explained that he was not present at the airport to welcome the president because he was unwell.

Referring to the allegations against him regarding the blast, he said that people have tried to blame him for nearly all recent incidents in the country.

He added that the rumours that his passport had been held and that he was about the leave the country, are all “fake stories”.

Adeeb also assured that he is not pursuing any higher posts and will remain “where President Yameen wants him”.

The explosion took place as the speedboat approached Izzuddin Jetty in Malé on 28 September 2015. The president was returning from the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Minister at the President’s Office Mohamed Hussain Shareef has said that based on evidence gathered thus far, the explosion was pre-planned and likely to have been an attempt on the president’s life.