Maldivian minister Ali Solih stabbed in broad daylight, accused seen reciting Quran verses

New Delhi, Aug 24: In a very shocking incident, Maldivian Minister Ali Solih was stabbed by a knife-wielding individual while he was riding on a bike in Hulhumale, north of the capital Male.

 

 

 

Solih sustained injuries on his left arm and the attacker was arrested soon after the violent incident. It is pertinent to mention that Solih is the Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology. He is also the spokesperson of the Jumhooree Party (JP), which is a coalition partner of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of President Ibrahim Solih.

 

 

According to The Times of Addu, the perpetrator recited some verses of the Quran before launching the attack on Solih's neck from behind. The knife missed the neck but slit part of his left arm.

 

In the video going viral, Solih can be seen getting off the motorcycle after attacked. He ran away to save himself from the attacker. He is being treated at the Hulhumale Hospital. Soon after the Maldivian Minister ran away, the attacker began expressing his aggression. He also talked to local people in the local language.

 

 

Earlier, in May 2021, former president Mohamed Nasheed was critically attacked through a bomb blast outside his home in capital Male. The explosive device had been planted on a bike parked near Nasheed`s car. After providing critical care to Nasheed, he was airlifted to Germany for months of treatment.

 

Maldives is facing a threat from rising Islamic radicalism as well as recruitment for global militant organisations. The current government, headed by President Solih along with Speaker Nasheed, is known to be democratic and liberal in its approach towards governance and social norms. The MDP has been running a prolonged battle against the growth of radical tendencies in the Indian Ocean nation with international support.