Saturday
20th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Chinese Embassy in the Maldives. Photo: TMJ
Security for the Chinese Embassy in Maldives has not been strengthened, despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claim that security was increased following threats to protest outside the Chinese Embassy and bomb the Indian High Commission in relation to a tweet from Dhiyares.
Up until 6 pm on Tuesday, they were no extra personnel in the embassy's vicinity. As per usual, one police officer stood guard. However, there is an abundance of Special Operations officers active at the Indian High Commission.
The Indian High Commission, on June 24, addressed a letter to the Foreign Ministry requesting action against Dhiyares and the Maldives Journal and heightened security for the High Commission. The ministry on July 1, Thursday, held a meeting with Police and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) regarding the matter. Police and MNDF stated there were no perceived threats to any foreign embassies in Maldives.
After the meeting with Police and MNDF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement that a tweet threatening to bomb the Indian High Commission was incited by Dhiyares, insinuating accusations of terrorism against Dhiyares.
The man accused and arrested by police is notably an activist of the ruling Maldives Democratic Party (MDP).
The next day, Indian High Commissioner Sunjay Sudhir was found to have met Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. Central Policing Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Ali Shuja and MNDF officials were present at the meeting. Sudhir reiterated the need for extra security and requested the minister to make the arrangements.
Since then, SO officers have been active in front of the Indian High Commission. However, a single police officer stands guard outside the Chinese Embassy. It is assumed that the Foreign Ministry fabricated the Chinese Embassy's request for extra security.