Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has revealed all suspects arrested in relation to the May 6 terror attack and many officers in the investigative team have tested positive for COVID-19.
Responding to questions in the Parliament, the home minister said the security services are working to uncover all individuals involved in the attack, but the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the investigation. However, Minister Imran said Maldives Police Service has made great progress in the investigation, noting 450 officers are involved in the case.
Minister Imran said the investigative team consistently briefs President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services on the latest updates. He said the investigative team is receiving assistance from international experts and that he is satisfied with the progress of the investigation.
Responding to questions from parliamentarians, Minister Imran said the investigative team has gained valuable information from the four suspects in custody and that the team is following the line of inquiries to find more people involved in the attack, including those who might have funded the terrorist plot. The minister said the security services have arrested 14 suspects in various operations against terrorism and extremism in the country, including nine suspects arrested in Addu City.
The minister further said he is discussing with the Attorney General's Office on introducing laws to detain potentially dangerous individuals who have the capabilities to make bombs and other weapons, since the current legal system allows security services to make arrests only if the suspects are involved in active terrorist plots.