Penalties for arsonists delayed due to investigation challenges: Home Minister

Minister of Home Affairs Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has said that the penalties for the arsonists who set fire to buildings and equipment all over Maldives on 8 February, are delayed due to challenges faced in the investigation process.

He said that several equipment necessary to carry out investigations were lost in the fires, making it a challenge to conduct investigations.

Dr Jameel described the fires as the most serious such incident in Maldivian history.

He noted that several cases had nonetheless been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office, and that the arson attack on Addu City’s Hulhudhoo Court is currently in trial.

Dr Jameel said that punishment for the arsonists will be decided by the court process, and not by any individual group or person.