Scout Saves President in Knife Attack Ordeal

Jan 09, 03:02 AM

A BRAVE boy scout grappled with a knife wielding assassin to save the life of the president of the Maldives.

Fifteen-year-old Mohamed Jaisham's hand was badly injured in yesterday's attack.

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was unhurt and later praised the bravery of the teenager, who was in his scout's uniform with a woggle at the time.

In a national radio address, Gayoom, 71, who holds the title of Chief Scout of the Maldives, said: "I have been saved thanks to Mohamed Jaisham and Allah."

The attack took place on the island of Hoarafushi, which has 3000 residents and is a popular honeymoon resort.

Gayoom was at the launch of a renewable energy project.

A presidential aide said: "He was shaking hands with supporters when a young man tried to stab him with a large kitchen knife. He was saved by a boy who moved in the way and tried to grab the knife and suffered a serious hand injury."

The attacker, said to be in his early 20s, was arrested. The aide said the man was said to have extreme religious views but that it was suspected the attack was more likely down to political rivalry.

Gayoom has ruled the chain of 1200 islands for 30 years.

Opponents describe him as a dictator. He faces the Maldives' first ever multiparty elections this year.