Malé, Maldives —Parliamentary Committee on National Security (241 Committee) has begun summoning individual MNDF Officers for the inquiry over the security breach of Former President and Current Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed during May 6 terror attack.
Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on National Security (241 Committee) and MP for North Hithadhoo Constituency, Mohamed Aslam revealed yesterday that 29 MNDF officers will be summoned for the inquiry and that the institution has assured that they will provide full support this time.
Although there were slight issues in summoning individual officers of MNDF, MP Aslam stated that everything is clear now and they have received assurance from a superior member of MNDF that they will cooperate in the inquiry.
Earlier when the parliament called to summoned individual officers of MNDF, a letter with the signature of Deputy Minister of the Defence Ministry, Hassan Zameel was sent denying the request of the parliament and stating that MNDF would answer on behalf of the individual officers.
An issue against Deputy Minister of Defence, Hassan Zameel was then presented to the PGO and the Parliament’s Committee on Member’s Privileges and Ethics. The committee decided later that the case against Zameel will not be forwarded as the Minister of Defence, Mariya Ahmed Didi should be held responsible for the letter sent to parliament instead. PGO also sent back the case and requested the Police to first investigate the matter.
Defending the ministry’s decision, Minister Mariya had explained the reason why it is not allowed for individual MNDF officers to be summoned for inquiries.
Minister Mariya stated that under sector 24 of the MNDF guidelines, any information the officers received while in service is forbidden to be shared with anyone else other than those mentioned. They are the superiors of MNDF, the court, the most superior members of the Police department.
While the Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdullah Shamaal was summoned to the 241 Committee for inquiry, the committee also decided to summon Defence Minister Maria Didi to the committee although a certain date has not yet been announced.
Following the terror attack against the Former President on May 6, criticism has been aimed mainly at MNDF with allegations that they have failed to provide necessary security for the Speaker.
The police is currently investigating the cause behind the attack on the Former President. 4 individuals have been arrested so far, all of them indicating radicalisation. The Parliamentary Committee is investigating into the security breach of the Speaker following the terror attack.
