News DeskBASEL, Switzerland — A chilling report of an alleged assassination attempt in Switzerland has triggered a wave of skepticism and debate back home in the Maldives, as citizens and political observers weigh the gravity of the claim against a backdrop of local political uncertainty.
Ibrahim “Sandhaanu” Lutfee, a veteran activist known for his role in the Maldives’ pro-democracy movement, announced on Saturday, July 18, 2026, that he had survived a “highly organised and calculated” assassination attempt in Basel. In a social media post at 10:49 p.m., Lutfee stated that criminal gangs hired by former President Mohamed Nasheed carried out the operation.
Lutfee, who has lived in exile for years, accompanied his account with a message of resilience: “Thank you so much everyone. Alhamdhulilaahi i am okay.” He also invoked religious scripture, quoting verses regarding divine protection and the nature of predestination.
The post tagged a wide array of Maldivian institutions and figures, including the President’s Office, the Swiss Embassy to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, as well as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
However, the report has been met with significant public scrutiny in the Maldives. Many are questioning the veracity and motives behind the allegations. Critics point out that Lutfee has remained largely removed from active political campaigning in recent years, leading some to question whether the claim stems from a genuine security threat, a decline in mental well-being, or a desperate bid for renewed public relevance.
“The political climate in the Maldives is complex,” noted one observer. “When an individual with no recent, visible political footprint makes such explosive accusations against a former president, the public is naturally going to ask: Is this a delusion, or a calculated reach for fame?”
The Polizei Basel-Landschaft has been notified of the incident, though officials have yet to provide confirmation of a criminal investigation. As of Sunday morning, there has been no official response from the parties named in Lutfee’s post.
As the story continues to circulate, the disconnect between the severity of the alleged crime and the perceived inactivity of the subject has left many in the Maldives waiting for independent verification from Swiss authorities.
