The Prosecutor General’s Office (PG) has indicted five people in relation to a recent incident where a group of opposition protesters obstructed President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s motorcade. The charges include obstruction of law enforcement and other state activities. The authorities have not disclosed the identities of the indicted individuals.
The incident occurred on the night of March 20th, when President Solih was returning from an official engagement in Hulhumale’. Opposition protesters halted the motorcade on Boduthakurufaanu Magu in Male’, causing the motorcade to change its route.
The incident marks the first instance of a protester interrupting a president’s motorcade in the Maldives. The incident raised concerns regarding the security measures in place to safeguard the President.
The incident led to the suspension of Colonel Abdulla Ibrahim, who was then serving as the commanding officer of the Presidential Guard. He was suspended for purportedly failing to ensure the President’s security. However, an investigation cleared Colonel Ibrahim of any negligence. Subsequently, his suspension was lifted, and he was later promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
The obstruction of President Solih’s motorcade sparked public debate on the rights of protesters and the boundaries of freedom of expression in the Maldives.