Maldivian presidential assassination attempts

Maldivian presidential assassination attempts

Maldivian presidential assassination attempts have been numerous, ranging from the early twentieth century since the establishment of the first republic of the Maldives. In 1980, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was first Maldivian president to experience an assassination attempt, when three attempts to overthrow Maumoon's government and assassinate the president.

Three presidents have been attempted assassination; Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1980, 1983, 1988, 2008). President Maumoon escaped unharmed from an assassination attempt at Hoarafushi. Mohamed Murshid, a twenty-year-old man from the island, attempted to stab him with a knife concealed in a Maldivian Flag. Former president, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom escaped a blast, planned by vice president, Ahmed Adheeb. President Nasheed was hurt from an bomb attack near his private residence, Galolhu Kenereege. First president, Mohamed Amin Didi was banished to Dhoonidhoo, causing him to death.

Attempts to assassinate Maldivian presidents have been largely unsuccessful, despite occasional incidents targeting them. After attempts, Some are arrested and rushed to jails, and others, many people, are free – in some cases due to failure to convict in court or they are active as free citizens because there is not sufficient evidence against them

Presidents assassinated

Mohamed Amin

See also: Mohamed Amin Didi

The citizens of Malé appointed Velaanaagey Ibrahim Didi, President Mohamed Amin Didi's vice president, as the head of government of the newly established republic in 1953. Despite warnings to stay away, Amin Didi returned to the Maldives aboard a Catalina aircraft. Upon his arrival, for his own protection, he was escorted to Dhoonidhoo island, where he was placed under government supervision, albeit with the dignity befitting a former head of state.

After spending four months on Dhoonidhoo, clandestine correspondence between Amin Didi and Ibrahim Hilmy Didi surfaced, proposing to overthrow the revolutionary government and reinstate the monarchy, with Ibrahim Hilmy as king and Amin as prime minister. In a daring move, Amin Didi attempted to seize control of Bandeyrige one night in Malé, provoking such fury among the populace that he narrowly escaped being lynched. Subsequently, he was cast adrift in a small boat near Malé.

In the aftermath, Amin Didi, Ibrahim Hilmy Didi, and Shamsuddin Hilmy, among others, were brought to trial for their roles in the rebellion. They were ultimately sentenced to exile: Mohamed Amin to Kaafu Atoll, Gaafaru; Ibrahim Hilmy to K. Gulhi; and Shamsuddin Hilmy to K. Himmafushi.

As Amin Didi's health declined, he was transferred to Vihamanaafushi Island where he passed away on January 19, 1954. A modest funeral was conducted in his honor.