Trial of May 6 attack suspects delayed as one presiding judge on leave

Criminal Court, on Wednesday, has stated that the trial of the suspects charged in connection to the terrorist attack against Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed on May 6, 2021, is being delayed as one of the presiding judges on the case is currently on leave.

On Monday, Abbas Faiz, the special envoy to the Government of Maldives to monitor the investigation, prosecution, and trial process of the May 6 attack had expressed concern over the delays in the trials of suspects charged in connection to the case.

Via a tweet, Abbas said that the delay in the trial of the suspects accused in the May 6 attack is of serious concern. He stressed that while months have passed since charges have been pressed – only one case had seen conviction whilst all other cases are in the pre-trial stage

Commenting on the matter, Criminal Court’s Media Officer Aman Mohamed Najeeb told Sun that hearings in the case will be scheduled once the judge on leave returns to work.

Noting that the case involved many documents and CDs as evidence – he said that the defendants in the case had also requested adequate time to go over them.

“They have also complained that some documents have not been received – and that some documents received were not clear. Even at present, those who wish to check whether all the documents have been received, marking unclear documents and watching the CDs is ongoing at the Court,” he added.

Aman said the hearings in the case will proceed with discussions with both parties involved in the case and by giving them adequate time as well.

A homemade remote-controlled IED was strapped to a motorcycle parked nearby Nasheed’s residence and was detonated at 08:27 pm on May 6, just as Nasheed, 54, exited his residence and went to get in his car. Nasheed was thrown to the ground and sustained multiple shrapnel wounds.

Out of the nine suspects that have been charged in the case, only the trial of one suspect has concluded so far; that is Adhuham Ahmed Rasheed, 26, Hiyaa, V. Thinadhoo.

Adhuham who confessed to detonating the IED, was charged with carrying out an act of terrorism, conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, supporting a terrorist organization, and attempted murder with a sharp-edged weapon or a dangerous weapon.

Adhuham signed a plea deal with the state, and confessed to all four charges.

Under the plea deal, the state withdrew two of the charges; conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, and attempted murder with a dangerous weapon.

He was found guilty of carrying out an act of terrorism and supporting a terrorist organization, and sentenced to 23 years, six months, and nine days in prison on December 14, 2021.

The remaining suspects which charges were filed against are Mujaz Ahmed, 21, Ma. Feyruge, K. Male'; Thahmeen Ahmed, 32, Folheyma, GA. Kondey; Ali Haisham, 27, Nooreege, N. Manadhoo; Is’haq, M. Kudhehige, K. Male’; Fahumy Ali, Hudhuruvaage, GA. Vilingili and Mohamed Nazim, Asareege, AA. Maalhos; Abdulla Ali Manik, Bahaaruge, HA. Molhadhoo and Mohamed Thasleem, Alanaasige, HA. Hoarafushi.

Thahmeen was pressed with four charges; participating in carrying out an act of terrorism, conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, aiding in transporting an explosive, and supporting a terrorist organization

Haisham was pressed with three charges; conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, aiding in transporting an explosive, and participating in carrying out an act of terrorism. 

I’shaq was pressed with three charges; participating in an act of terrorism, conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism and aiding in the transportation of explosives

Mujaz was pressed with two charges; conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism and aiding and abetting a fugitive. 

Fahumy is being charged with participating in an act of terrorism.

Nazim is being charged with conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism.

Ali Manik and Thasleem are both being charged with supporting a terrorist organization.

Out of the 10 suspects arrested in the case by the Police, Ahmed Fathih, 23, Dhunfiniufaa, L. Gan, is the only one which the Prosecutor General's Office decided against charging. Subsequently, he has been released from custody.