Abbas: First part of investigation over, now to investigate finances

Abbas Faiz, the special envoy to the Government of Maldives to monitor the investigation, prosecution, and trial process of the terrorist attack against Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that first part of the investigation is now over – whereas the second part of the investigation commenced will probe into wider links and financing of the attack.

The statement was made via a tweet last night – where he noted that assurances have been provided by Maldives Police Service and the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) that the second phase focused on investigating the wider link and finances will proceed thoroughly and speedily.

Now that the first part of the investigation is over, Maldives Police @M_Hameedh is expected to focus on the second part and investigate the links and finances of the May6Attack thoroughly and speedily.

— Abbas Faiz (@tweetafaiz) August 10, 2021

In another tweet, Abbas congratulated PGO in pressing charged against 4 of the accused and also noted that he fully supported PGO’s call for a public trial.

I welcome Maldives Police @M_Hameedh concluding investigation of 1st part of May6Attack, Prosecutor General @HuShameem pressing charges against 4 accused, assurances from MPS&PG that wider links and financing are being investigated, and fully support PG's call for a public trial.

— Abbas Faiz (@tweetafaiz) August 10, 2021

Abbas was appointed as the Special Envoy on May 19. He arrived in the Maldives on June 2.

In this capacity, he is mandated to ensure that all stages of the investigation, prosecution, and trial of the alleged perpetrators, and any related and necessary inquiries related to the terrorist attack against Parliament Speaker that took place on May 6 – is performed in accordance with international practices as well as national laws in order to ensure public confidence in the integrity of these processes. His oversight of the ongoing investigation will be conducted within the parameters set by PGO.

A homemade remote-controlled IED was strapped to a motorcycle parked nearby Nasheed’s residence and was detonated at 08:27 pm on May 6, just as Nasheed, 54, exited his residence and went to get in his car. Nasheed was thrown to the ground and sustained multiple shrapnel wounds.

Four of the accused has been charged in connection to the attack:

• Adhuham Ahmed Rasheed, 26, Hiyaa, V. Thinadhoo  

• Mujaz Ahmed, 21, Ma. Feyruge, K. Male'  

• Thahmeen Ahmed, 32, Folheyma, GA. Kondey  

• Ali Haisham, 27, Nooreege, N. Manadhoo 

They are all being charged with terrorism-related crimes which carry heavy sentences including carrying out an act of terrorism and conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism.