Defense Minister to be summoned to 241 Committee regarding Nasheed’s attack, drones

Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) has decided to summon Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon to clarify the additional information acquired in the investigation of the 2021 assassination attempt on former president Mohamed Nasheed and the details of the military drone purchases from acquired from Türkiye.

West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef proposed to summon Minister Ghassan at the committee meeting held on Tuesday in light of concerns raised by South Henveiru MP Hussain Shaheem regarding the remarks made by the Minister at the Parliament on Monday.

In addition to the investigation into the assassination attempt on Nasheed, MP Hassan Latheef also proposed to question the minister on the price of the drone purchases and the reason behind why Indian soldiers stormed Maldivian fishing boats fishing in Maldivian waters due to “miscommunication”.

He stressed that there were many questions that need be clarified over these matters.

“I appeal to the Committee to request the minister as soon as possible. I am aware that the Minister will get five days [notice] as per the regulations. However, if it is possible to attend before this, I appeal to the committee to request the same,” he said.

At a ministerial questioning session on Monday, Minister Ghassan citing there was additional information regarding Nasheed’s assassination attempt that needs to be disclosed to the parliament, said the information in question will be shared once requested by lawmakers.

However, during the time remaining in the session, lawmakers questioned the Minister regarding the military drones that were recently purchased.