241 committee investigates obstruction of presidential motorcade

SPG members wait around the President's motorcade as opposition supporters obstruct it. | Photo: Social media

Malé, Maldives – Parliament’s Security Services Committee (241 Committee) has decided to investigate the obstruction of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s motorcade.

The 241 committee chairperson, Hithadhoo North MP Mohammed Aslam, told “The Times of Addu” that the committee has decided to take the initiative to investigate the matter.

The committee is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. today.

The PPM protesters yesterday, crossed security to obstruct President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s motorcade and waved the PPM flag near the President’s car.

Presidential security forces intervened to push them back. The President’s car was moved away from the area after the protesters obstructed the motorcade.

This is the first time protestors have interrupted a president’s motorcade in Maldives and it is also the first time that security has failed so seriously while driving a presidential motorcade.

PPM/PNC supporters who are protesting in the capital city blocked the road and sat in the middle of the road after they saw the motorcade approaching.

Videos circulating on social media showed the protesters refusing to leave the scene when the army’s Special Security Force came down from their vehicles with weapons and ordered them to leave.

However, the President’s bodyguards were forced to turn around and take another road after protestors refused to clear the path.

According to Maldives Police Services, four people have been arrested in the case so far. The agency said it was investigating the matter. MNDF said it was also investigating the security breach in the motorcade.

An emergency motion was also moved in Parliament today. However, the emergency motion was dismissed. The motion called for an investigation into the security breach in the President’s motorcade and the resignation of the Defense Minister.