Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has appointed a British Queen's Counsel (QC) to represent him and examine the work alongside the criminal investigation into the May 6 terrorist attack.
In a press release, the Parliament of the Maldives stated Kirsty Brimelow QC of Doughty Street Chambers London will apply her expertise in evidence gathering and application of national and international law in partnership with national and international law enforcement and lawyers to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attempt to assassinate Nasheed. A functioning justice system is a crucial part of democracy and Brimelow QC's vast and relevant experience will be invaluable in the identification and apprehension of those who schemed and funded the assassination attempt against him, which was inspired by extreme ideology, said Speaker Nasheed.
Nasheed previously urged the government to take immediate steps regarding security as recommended by the inquiry report formulated by the Parliament. The inquiry report highlighted various issues in national security procedures and proposed recommendations to prevent similar terrorist attacks in the future.
Furthermore, Special Envoy to the Government of the Maldives Abbas Faiz revealed he has received assurances from the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) that wider links and financing of the terrorist attack are currently being investigated.
MPS has arrested a total of 10 suspects following the May 6 terrorist attack, which had severely injured Speaker Nasheed. PGO has raised charges against four suspects in the attack totalling 13 counts under the Anti-Terrorism Act.