Special envoy: No acceptable reason for May 6 trial delay

Abbas Faiz, the special envoy to the Maldivian government to monitor the investigation, prosecution and trial of the May 6 terror attack, said Tuesday that judicial authorities have not offered him an acceptable reason for the delay in the trial.

The terror attack targeting Parliament speaker, former president Mohamed Nasheed with a homemade remote-controlled IED took place on May 6, 2021. Nasheed sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, while three members of his security detail and two bystanders sustained minor wounds.

Faiz took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to express concern over the delay in the trial.

Faiz said that he met with the Criminal Court’s registrar Hassan Rasheed last week and expressed deep disappointment over the delay in the trial.

“The Maldives judicial authorities have not given me an acceptable reason for this delay,” he said.

The May 6 trial has produced only one conviction, that against Adhuham Ahmed Rasheed, Hiyaa, V. Thinadhoo, who confessed to detonating the IED. He signed a plea deal with the prosecution and received a reduced sentence of 23 years in prison in 2021.

Total nine people were charged in connection to the May 6 attack, including Adhuham. The other defendants are:

• Mujaz Ahmed, Ma. Feyruge, K. Male’
• Thahmeen Ahmed, Folheyma, GA. Kondey
• Ali Haisham, Nooreege, N. Manadhoo
• Mohamed Nazim, Asareege, AA. Maalhos
• Fahumy Ali, Hudhuruvaage, GA. Vilingili
• Abdulla Ali Manik, Bahaaruge, HA. Molhadhoo
• Is’haq, M. Kudhehige, K. Male’
• Mohamed Thasleem, Alanaasige, HA. Hoarafushi

A tenth suspect arrested in the case, Ahmed Fathih, Dhunfiniufaa, L. Gan, was later released due to lack of evidence.

THE CHARGES:

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.

Is’haq 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 was charged with participating in an act of terrorism.

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