Maldives Police Services is investigating the verbal attack on former President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and his wife earlier today as the country’s political leaders speak out against the incident.
A statement by the office of the former President said that the couple was targeted in the early morning of today at the swimming track area in Male and that an activist belonging to the ruling MDP party instigated the verbal abuse. The statement said that the activist used foul language against the former presidential couple and did so in the presence of their security detail assigned by the MNDF. It also said that the bodyguards had reported the incident to the police immediately.
The statement clarified that the activist did not physically assault the former president and his wife but the prolonged attack represents both verbal and physical (by proximity) intimidation, harassment, and abuse. It condemned the attack stating that the use of vulgar and obscene language is deplorable.
Later on, Police said that it was now actively investigating the incident and said that the incident was reported around 7 am this morning. Police said that it would be questioning those connected to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Former President thanked President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for calling to check on Dr. Waheed and his wife following the incident in the morning.
Minister of Youth, Sport, and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof also condemned the attack and said via twitter that each Maldivian should be afforded the right of movement within the country and should not subject to such verbal abuse. He also said that no one is above the constitution or the laws of the country.
The Jumhooree Party as well as the PPM and PNC coalition and the Maldives Reform Movement MRM have also condemned the attack on the former President and said that there was no place for such incidents in the Maldives.
