May 6 blast: Nasheed appoints a British Queen's Counsel member to represent him

Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed a British Queen's Counsel (QC) member to represent him and monitor and work on the criminal investigation into the IED attack targeting him on May 6.

The British Queen's Counsel is an independent panel that consists of a set of barristers and solicitors who the monarch appoints to be a part of Her Majesty’s Counsel learned in the law. To achieve this status, the barrister or solicitor must have practiced law for ten years. Queen Counsel members are recognized as experts and leaders in their field – taking lead on particularly complex cases.

A statement publicized by the People’s Majilis today read that Kirsty Brimelow QC of Doughty Street Chambers London has been appointed to exercise her expertise in evidence gathering and application of national and international law side by side with local and foreign law enforcement and lawyers – with the common goal of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Brimelow is highly experienced in Criminal Law. 

Following the appointment of Brimelow – Nasheed stated that her abundance of experience will prove invaluable in the identification and apprehension of those who schemed, planned, and funded the assassination attack against him, inspired by extreme religious views.

“A functioning justice system is a crucial part of democracy. Rights and security are essential for every human. Kirsty Brimelow QC’s vast and relevant experience will be invaluable in the onward identification and apprehension of those who schemed, planned, and funded the assassination attempt against me which was inspired by extreme ideology,” he had said.

Nasheed is presently in the UK – seeking further treatment for the injuries he sustained in the assassination attempt. He has recently requested the Parliament to grant an extension to his leave, and allow him to remain overseas.

MAY 6 ATTACK

A homemade remote-controlled IED was strapped to a motorcycle parked nearby Nasheed’s residence, and was detonated at 08:27 pm on May 6, just as Nasheed, 54, exited his residence and went to get in his car. Nasheed was thrown to the ground and sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, while three members of his security detail and two bystanders sustained minor wounds.   

Police have arrested 10 suspects in connection to the case, and requested the Prosecutor General’s Office for charges against 5 suspects. 

Charges against four of the suspects were filed on August 3. They are:

• Adhuham Ahmed Rasheed, 26, Hiyaa, V. Thinadhoo  

• Mujaz Ahmed, 21, Ma. Feyruge, K. Male'  

• Thahmeen Ahmed, 32, Folheyma, GA. Kondey  

• Ali Haisham, 27, Nooreege, N. Manadhoo 

Prosecutor General's Office decided against filing charges against Ahmed Fathih, 23, Dhunfini Ufaa, L. Gan, who was one of the initial arrests made by police in connection to the case, citing lack of sufficient evidence.

Police found evidence suggesting the suspects are ISIS sympathizers but found no evidence directly linking them with the international terror organization