Home Minister Umar Naseer has said that MNDF soldiers are working with Maldives Police Service to find the escaped dangerous convict Ibrahim Shahum and they are authoritized to shoot if they face any danger while apprehending Shahum.
Speaking to the press, Home Minister said that Shahum is the most dangerous criminal in the prison and the soldiers have the discretion to use their weapon if there is any danger from Shahum.
Home Minister stated that under Article 71 of the Police law and regulation, he has been given the authority to carry on such an operation whereby he has requested for MNDF to be involved in the search.
Minister Umar stated that he made this request through a written letter, stating that MNDF should be armed and prepared to fight back in the case of a dangerous situation which may require the need of such force.
He said that an armed team of soldiers will work with the police team in search for Shahum. “They have been authorized to use their weapons should they face danger. They have the discretion to shoot,” he said.
Minister Umar Naseer explained that the soldiers will take over and shoot if necessary if the commanding police officer believes the team is in a dangerous situation.
Meanwhile, Maldives Police Service apprehended one of the two convicts that escaped from Maafushi prison. Shahum's accomplice in the escape, Fariyash Ahmed (26) was arrested yesterday at 1:45 p.m. while he was at a café called ‘Tatiana's café’’ near Shaheed Ali Mosque.