Adhadhu has learnt that the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) appointed Villimale' MP Mohamed Ismail to the parliament's Committee on Security Services (241 Committee) despite a terrorism charge against him.
The 241 Committee oversees the operations of the security services. It is tasked with ensuring that the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service operate in strict compliance with the Constitution, laws, and regulations.
It holds these agencies accountable by engaging with them, reviewing their activities, questioning their practices, and assessing their adherence to their mandates.
The Committee also addresses and investigates complaints related to these security agencies and provides necessary guidance and recommendations.
MP Mohamed Ismail was appointed to the committee after the ruling party decided to remove former MP Ahmed Azaan from the committee when he refused to vote in favour of an amendment to the Judicature Act.
Mohamed Ismail was charged with terrorism for forcibly entering and attacking the Yoga Day event at the Galolhu Stadium organized by the Indian High Commission in 2021.
He was charged with participating in an act of terrorism.
A reliable source told Adhadhu that the case is still pending in the Criminal Court. If convicted, he faces between 17 and 20 years in prison.
Police arrested Mohamed Ismail for allegedly distributing the flags used by the attackers from the former opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) office.
