The International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), a global organisation representing over 250,000 prosecutors across 172 countries, has strongly condemned the assault on Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem. The prosecutor general was brutally attacked near his residence in Malé on Wednesday morning. The assailants, who have since been apprehended, inflicted severe injuries on Shameem, including fractures to his arm.
Roel Dona, the Secretary-General of the IAP, wrote to Shameem in the aftermath of the incident, urging Maldivian authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the assault and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
In his correspondence, Dona underscored the importance of ensuring the security and protection of the Prosecutor General and prosecutors. He expressed deep concern over the state of security for prosecutors operating in the Maldives, emphasising the necessity of a safe and secure environment for them to discharge their duties effectively, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office.
The suspects arrested in connection with the assault have been remanded in police custody for the duration of the trial. In response to the incident, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) has significantly heightened Shameem’s security.
Ali Shujau, the Commissioner of Police, responded to criticism directed towards the police following the assault. He clarified that Shameem had opted out of the security provided to senior officials of state institutions. It was not a choice for state officials to forgo security, Shujau stated, adding that current policies are predicated on conducting threat assessments of state officials before providing security.
Shujau also revealed that the assault on Shameem was premeditated, with the assailants having worn masks to conceal their identities. He assured that the police did not receive any intelligence before the attack, and steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence of a similar incident. Police will review security protocols for state officials, he assured.
The Maldives is a member of the IAP, and Shameem is a member of the association. He attended the IAP conference held in London, United Kingdom, in September last year.
