Trial begins against eight people charged over attack on police officer

The trial is under way against the eight suspects charged with assault following the attack on a police officer during a protest on 1 May 2015.

The suspects are Ahmed Ibrahim, Nasira Ali, Ibrahim Laban Shareef, Moosa Sharmeel, Farhath Ali, Abdulla Rasheed Mohamed, Ali Rasheed, and Umar Gahir.

Presenting the charges in court today, the State Prosecutor said that Police Sergeant Abdul Rahman Hussain was pushed to the ground near Iskandar School on Chaandhanee Magu between 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on 1 May 2015, by Ibrahim Laban Shareef.

As he lay on the ground, Abdul Rahman Hussain was kicked by Ahmed Ibrahim, Moosa Sharmeel, Abdulla Rasheed Mohamed, and Ali Rasheed; and hit with a water bottle by Umar Gahir.

Farhath Ali, meanwhile, attempted to remove the officer’s helmet.

The suspects have been charged with assault using weapons, under Article 9 (c) and (d) of the Law on Prohibiting Threatening and Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects.

The suspects were given three days to appoint lawyers.

Out of the eight suspects, Farhath denied the claim that he attempted to remove the police officer's helmet, and said that he tripped over the fallen police officer while he was in fact, trying to stop the assault.

Presiding judge, Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed, said that the suspects will be allowed to present their defence and evidence at the next hearing.

-Nasira Ali arrives in court on Wednesday, 8 July 2015 – Sun photo: Yusuf Sofwan-

-Moosa Sharmeel arrives in court on Wednesday, 8 July 2015 – Sun photo: Yusuf Sofwan-

-Farhath Ali and Abdulla Rasheed arrive in court on Wednesday, 8 July 2015 – Sun photo: Yusuf Sofwan-