Maldives says enough proof against detained Sri Lankan sniper

by Ali Naafiz

The Maldivian Government on Friday (29) said there was enough evidence to hold a suspected sniper from Sri Lanka for an assassination plot against the president.

Three people were arrested last month over the plot to assassinate the president.

Confirming the arrest, police said in a statement in November that the 27-year-old man was arrested on October 24. Some Sri Lankan media outlets have, however, reported that the man was an importer of Maldives dry fish with a weekly publication identifying the man as 24-year-old Lahiru Madhushanka.Legal Affairs Minister at the President's Office, Azima Shakoor told reporters in Colombo that the Sri Lankan national under custody is given access to lawyers and has regular consular visits.

"There is enough evidence to keep him in custody and he is being regularly presented to court to extend his detention as well," she said.

Reports of the Sri Lankan sniper's arrest came a day after Maldivian security forces confiscated assault rifles and hand guns in what has been the biggest weapons bust in the country's history. The weapons had been seized from Hibilhadhoo island in Baa Atoll being developed as a resort. The items showcased during a press conference included several hand guns, a T56 assault rifle and a MP5 sub-machine gun. In addition, a large quantity of bomb making material was also displayed at the media briefing.

In a statement, Sri Lanka's external affairs ministry had said Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about recent developments in the Maldives and events that have impacted on Sri Lanka, including the arrest of two Sri Lankan nationals in the Maldives and the questionable removal of a Maldivian social media activist who was in possession of a valid Sri Lankan visa.

- Haveeru.com