Supreme Court overturns conviction against Sheikh Imran

Supreme Court has overturned the 12-year prison sentence issued against Minister of Home Affairs and Leader of Adhaalath Party (AP) Sheikh Imran Abdulla.

The Supreme Court issued its unanimous verdict this Thursday evening.

Imran was found guilty of inciting violence with his speech during a mass demonstration on May 1, 2015 and sentenced to 12 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Act by the Criminal Court – a sentence upheld by High Court upon appeal.

Supreme Court, this Thursday, quashed Criminal Court’s ruling, citing the court failed to sufficiently address the conflict of opinion regarding analysis of the meaning behind Imran’s statements.

It also said the State prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence and testimony to support a link between Imran’s speech and the unlawful acts which took place during the demonstration.

Supreme Court ruled the High Court failed to consider proper judicial and legal procedure when it upheld the original sentence.

Shiekh Imran is currently the Home Minister in the cabient of Ibrahim M. Solih. Many has raised the question of validity in regards to his position as a prison sentence was passed against him.