Court cancels hearing for MP Mohamed Rasheed

Criminal Court has cancelled the hearing for Hithadhoo-central MP Mohamed Rasheed after failing to deliver the summons to the MP.

Media official at the Criminal Court Ahmed Mohamed Manik said the hearing was cancelled after being scheduled for 1:00 p.m. today.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has pressed terrorism charges against MP Mohamed Rasheed for threatening to use force against the police and military during the unrest that ensued on 8 February 2012 in Hithadhoo, Addu City, following the controversial change of government.

The indictment states that MP Mohamed Rasheed had encouraged a crowd to forcefully break into and vandalize state buildings, including Addu City police station and the Feydhoo court house.

State has charged MP Mohamed Rasheed under Article 6 (b), in reference to Articles 2 (f) and 2 (g) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Article 2 (f) of the act states that the act of or intent of arson, so as to cause harm or damage to persons or property shall be construed as acts of terrorism.

Article 2 (g) of the act states that the use of terror tactics, force or making threats to cause harm or damage to persons or property orally or in writing or other means to create fear amongst the community shall be construed as acts of terrorism.

Article 6 (b) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act states that any persons found guilty of an act of terrorism, without a loss of life, shall be sentenced to between 10 and 15 years imprisonment or banishment and that the same penalty shall be passed on those found guilty of complicity in the crime.

The state has presented 26 witnesses against MP Mohamed Rasheed, who includes 17 police officers, 2 locals and 7 individuals who’s identities have been withheld.