Court to subpoena a witness in Imran case

Criminal Court has made the decision to subpoena a witness in the terrorism case against Adhaalath Party leader Imran Abdulla.

State prosecutors have said that Imran’s speech during May 1, 2015 incited violence with people climbing over police barricades and harming police officers keeping peace, as well as people’s property.

Speaking during hearing of Imran’s trial on Sunday, Judge Abdul Baaree Yoosuf said that court would bring forth a witness during the next hearing. Judge Baaree did not reveal a name, but said that State prosecutor and defense attorney would be provided the opportunity to question the witness.

During the hearing held on Sunday, State witness gave testimony anonymously. Witness said that he was there in different locations to see what was happening in the protest initiated by Adhaalath Party. And that he had been there as a private citizen to observe what was taking place.

He said that politicians had given speeches after stopping near Social Center, including Imran. He said that though Imran had not outright called for violence, he believed that Imran’s speech had incited people to commit violent acts.

The witness said that he did not belong to any political party. And that he had witnessed a police officer being attacked that night.

Imran’s defense attorney Husnu Suood questioned the witness asking whether he had met with a prosecutor from PG Office before testifying, and whether he was answering questions looking at pre-written statements.

Witness said that he had not talked with anyone regarding the case before providing his testimony. And that he was not reading off written answers.

Judge Baaree asked State prosecutor to another analysis report – which is an audio analysis of something Imran is suspected to have whispered during the protest in a video submitted as evidence by prosecution.

Trial was previously presided over by three judges – Judge Abdul Baaree Yoosuf, Judge Abdulla Nasheed and Judge Ahmed Sameer Abdul Aziz. But now the trial is presided over only by Judge Abdul Baaree Yoosuf.