Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) stated today that the government has no connection to the attack carried out against Male' City Mayor Adam Azim during an MDP gathering last night.

While MDP protesters were walking near the Henveiru Cemetery last night, a young man suddenly approached Azim, struck him in the chest, and pushed him. As the incident unfolded during a live television broadcast, several people from the gathering stepped forward to defend Azim, confronted the youth, and pushed him away.

Following Azim's accusations directed at the government regarding the attack, the Chief Spokesperson issued a statement through the President's Office assuring that the government would not carry out such an act.

"The Spokesperson stated that it is surprising that Mayor Adam Azim has claimed this attack was carried out by the government, and that it is entirely unknown on what basis, or what evidence or proof, such a statement was made. He further stated that this is not something related to the government in any way and assured all parties that the government would not do such a thing," the President's Office statement said.

Citing the Chief Spokesperson, the statement from the President's Office said that Mayor Azim's claim is completely false and that making such false accusations is a very low-level act.

According to the statement, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu watched the video showing the attempt to attack Mayor Azim. The statement noted that the President condemns the attempt to attack the Mayor in the strongest terms.

The President's Office statement, citing President Muizzu, said that as the Mayor of Male' is an individual directly elected by the people, it is unacceptable to attack or obstruct the work of him or any other political leader, whether during their political activities or in their personal lives.

"The President provides the assurance that the government will always work to stop such things and establish a safe environment without fear for every citizen," the President's Office said.

According to the statement issued by the President's Office, neither Mayor Azim, the MDP, nor the Male' City Council has filed a formal complaint with the police regarding the attack. However, the President's Office stated that the police launched an investigation on their own initiative as soon as they saw the video of the attack.

So far, the police have not reported any arrests in the matter.

Chief Spokesperson Shareef stated that since the police are the institution legally mandated to ensure the safety and security of society, the failure to report such incidents to the police is an obstacle to them to carry out their responsibilities. He expressed concern over this matter.

"The Spokesperson noted that the Male' City Mayor is someone who can receive security within his official capacity upon request. He also stated that the police always conduct threat assessments for those in senior state positions, and if any assessment identifies a threat to any individual, the police will take the initiative to arrange security for them," the statement said.

Following the attack on Mayor Azim last night, MDP Interim Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) called on the police to immediately investigate the matter and ensure the protection that Mayor Azim is entitled to.