Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed injured in bomb blast

Ahmed Mahloof, Minister of Youth and Community Empowerment in Maldives, said they were yet to ascertain details of his injuries.

With MDP in power, exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed to return to Maldives

Former president Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday night sustained injuries in a bomb blast near his home. (File)

Mohamed Nasheed, former President of Maldives and the current Speaker of Parliament, sustained injuries in a bomb blast near his home on Thursday night.

Ahmed Mahloof, Minister of Youth and Community Empowerment in Maldives, said they were yet to ascertain details of his injuries.

Talking to The Indian Express, Mahloof said the incident was reported around 8.30pm (Maldives Time).

“He was about to leave his home. The explosion happened while he was walking towards his car. It is a narrow street where he lives so he had to walk a few meters to reach the car. It was reportedly a motorbike that exploded. He was accompanied by his bodyguards and one of them was also injured,” he said. “I am deeply worried. An act of terrorism… I am sure this government will take strict action against perpetrators,” Mahloof added.

<p “width=420″ lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>I strongly, wholeheartedly condemn the attack aimed at my fmr running mate & predecessor @MohamedNasheed. The propagation of hate in Maldivian politics must end, & we must find ways to unite & work together, rather than divide. My prayers are with him, the SPG, & their families.— Mohamed Waheed (@DrWaheedH) May 6, 2021

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited Nasheed at the hospital. “Speaker of Parliament President Mohamed Nasheed is currently receiving treatment at ADK Hospital in Malé for injuries sustained following an explosion outside his residence tonight. We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness and the investigation is currently underway,” a statement from Solih said.

According to sources, Nasheed has sustained many superficial wounds, and a deep cut on his arm. His vitals signs are good and there seems to be no serious injury to his internal organs.

“Strongly condemn the attack on Speaker of Parliament, President @MohamedNasheed this evening. Cowardly attacks like these have no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers are with President Nasheed and others injured in this attack, as well as their families,” Abdulla Shahid, the foreign minister of Maldives tweeted.

Local media reported that a foreigner who was standing near the site also was injured in the blast, and was hospitalised.

Deeply concerned at the attack on Speaker @MohamedNasheed. Wish him a speedy recovery. Know that he will never be intimidated.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 6, 2021

India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar wished Nasheed a speedy recovery and said he would “never be intimidated.”

Arun Janardhanan

Arun Janardhanan is an experienced and authoritative Tamil Nadu correspondent for The Indian Express. Based in the state, his reporting combines ground-level access with long-form clarity, offering readers a nuanced understanding of South India’s political, judicial, and cultural life - work that reflects both depth of expertise and sustained authority. Expertise Geographic Focus: As Tamil Nadu Correspondent focused on politics, crime, faith and disputes, Janardhanan has been also reporting extensively on Sri Lanka, producing a decade-long body of work on its elections, governance, and the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings through detailed stories and interviews. Key Coverage Areas: State Politics and Governance: Close reporting on the DMK and AIADMK, the emergence of new political actors such as actor Vijay’s TVK, internal party churn, Centre–State tensions, and the role of the Governor. Legal and Judicial Affairs: Consistent coverage of the Madras High Court, including religion-linked disputes and cases involving state authority and civil liberties. Investigations: Deep-dive series on landmark cases and unresolved questions, including the Tirupati encounter and the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, alongside multiple investigative series from Tamil Nadu. Culture, Society, and Crisis: Reporting on cultural organisations, language debates, and disaster coverage—from cyclones to prolonged monsoon emergencies—anchored in on-the-ground detail. His reporting has been recognised with the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism. Beyond journalism, Janardhanan is also a screenwriter; his Malayalam feature film Aarkkariyam was released in 2021. ... Read More

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