Sri Lankan charged with new assassination plot in Maldives

A Sri Lankan has been charged with planning a sniper attack on President Abdulla Yameen (above).


The chain of Indian Ocean islands has been plunged into political turmoil since the Sept 28 explosion on the presidential launch as it was about to dock in the capital Male, injuring the first lady and two aides. Yameen was unhurt.



Naseer linked the alleged sniper plot with September's blast on the presidential boat and said the discovery of explosives near the official residence pointed to a third assassination plan.

"There's a clear connection between the three. There could be further attacks planned. We're verifying the sniper's background," Naseer told Reuters.

"Though a sniffer rifle hasn't yet been found, police have recovered a telescope and bullet used in such rifles. It's now established that the suspect knew that his target was the president. Investigations have confirmed that there was a planned sniper attack on the president."


"Investigations reveals some Maldivians paid the Sri Lankan to carry out the operation," the ministry said.

Government officials say evidence shows the boat explosion was caused by a bomb targeting the president, although the US Federal Bureau of Investigation - asked by Maldivian government to examine the scene - said there was "no conclusive evidence"of a bomb attack.

The United States, rights groups and the Commonwealth of mostly former British colonies have called on the Maldives - a popular tourist destination - to lift the state of emergency and end a crackdown on dissidents.