MP Ibrahim Didi hospitalised – Minivan News

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, a retired brigadier general, was hospitalised at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

A family member told newspaper Haveeru that Didi was taken to hospital after complaining of chest pains, adding that he is being kept at the ICU for a heart test every six hours.

According to Didi’s family, he suffered a stroke in 1994. Didi’s family told Raajje TV today that the retired general was feeling better.

Didi is currently on trial on terrorism charges – along with former President Mohamed Nasheed and senior officers of the military – over the military’s detention of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012.

Didi was Malé Area Commander at the time of the controversial arrest. At the last hearing of his trial, the judge gave Didi three additional days to prepare his defence.

After the first hearing, Didi asked whether the terrorism trial was his reward for risking his life in defence of the nation during the November 3, 1988 failed coup attempt by a group of Maldivians and Tamil mercenaries.

Didi – a corporal and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s bodyguard at the time – played a pivotal role on November 3 by carrying the keys of the armoury from Machangoalhi Kinbigasdhoshuge to the besieged military headquarters before soldiers ran out of ammunition.

Politicians from both sides have meanwhile expressed well wishes for Didi on social media.