241 Committee Moves to Suspend MNDF Protection for Former Presidents at Protests

Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) has decided to amend regulations governing military protection for former presidents, with former heads of state set to have their MNDF security temporarily suspended while attending protests.

The decision was made during a closed-door meeting of the 241 Committee held yesterday to review the policies under which the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) provides security to former presidents.

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A source familiar with the meeting confirmed the decision to MV+ on condition of anonymity, citing the confidential nature of the committee’s proceedings. Further details of the proposed amendment were not disclosed. 

If implemented, the revised regulations would require the temporary withdrawal of MNDF security personnel for the duration of a former president’s participation in a protest or public demonstration.

The move follows a rare joint appearance in May by former Presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Abdulla Yameen and Mohamed Nasheed, who met to express concern over press freedom and call for the release of two journalists from Adhadhu who had been remanded in custody over a documentary containing allegations against President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The journalists have since been released.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the three former presidents said democratic values were deteriorating and raised concerns over increasing pressure on the media.

Former President Nasheed has also participated in recent political activities after assuming the chairmanship of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), including the party’s “Job Thursday” protest against what it described as unfair suspensions and dismissals of employees.

Former President Yameen regularly hosts political meetings at the People’s National Front (PNF) headquarters, located at his residence, where he and party members frequently criticise the government and discuss political issues. Moreover, PNF members regularly stage rallies calling for the removal of the current administration. During several recent demonstrations, police intervened after protesters dragged a sofa onto the road, citing public obstruction. While officers confiscated the sofa in those instances, the protests were otherwise allowed to continue.

The 241 committee has not publicly announced when the proposed amendments will take effect or whether they require further parliamentary approval.