Man accused of chasing a group of people with an axe freed

A man accused of chasing a group of people on the streets of Male’ with an axe has been freed by the Criminal Court on Sunday.

The suspect has been identified as Ahmed Rabeeu, Guleyranmaage, GA. Maamendhoo. He was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon in public space without a plausible reason after he allegedly chased a group of people on the streets with an axe.

As per the charge sheet, Rabeeu chased a group of people with an axe at approximately 14:14pm on October 29, 2021, near Foodos restaurant at Muranga Magu in Male’.

Rabeeu denied the charge against him during the trial, citing he had not committed such an act.

Police submitted video footage as evidence in the case. However, as it was not proven that it was Rabeeu who is seen the video beyond reasonable doubt, the Court ruled that the charge, was thereby, not proven.

Carrying any type of weapon in public space without plausible reason is prohibited with offenders subject to a prison sentence between six to 12 months.

Recently, the Maldives has witnessed a rise in violence. In this regard, Police said three separate cases of violence were reported to authorities from Male’ last night alone.