State witnesses claim no knowledge Mahloof went past police barricades

Two out of the three witnesses testifying for state against MP Ahmed Mahloof claim they had no knowledge Mahloof went past police barricades, during the hearing held at Criminal Court on Wednesday.

Mahloof has been charged with going past barricades placed by police in Boduthakurufaanu Magu and Mohamed Ismail Didi and entering the area restricted by police on the night of March 25, 2015 during widespread protests held in Male’.

Court heard testimony of three state witnesses during the hearing which started at 1 pm. Wednesday.

Special Ops officer Ali Ahmed – who was involved in Mahloof’s arrest – testified that he was arrested near Valhoamas Market and MTCC building situated in Boduthakurufaanu Magu. But that he could not remember if Mahloof was arrested in, or out of the restricted area.

He also said that the did not know exactly where to where the police barricades had been placed.

Police officer Mohamed Farish testified that also said that he did not know whether Mahloof was arrested in, or out of the restricted area.

The third witness who testified, Mohamed Shuaaz – who was in charge of maintaining security in the area that night – said that Mahloof went past police barricades and that

Mahlood was advised three times not to go past the barricades.

Shuaaz said that Mahloof was, however, arrested outside the barricades.

The judge presiding over the case announced that testimony of witnesses in defense of Mahloof would be heard by court during the next hearing.

Mahloof has named five witnesses to testify on his behalf.

Mahloof faces fines on up to MVR 12,000 or six months in jail if the “obstruction of justice” charge is proved against him.

He will also lose his seat in parliament if he is found guilty.