Police: Number of locals joining terror groups increasing

The number of Maldivians joining terrorist groups have increased significantly according to the statistics provided by Police.

The statistics publicized by Commission of Polcie Mohamed Hameed today showed seven cases of Maldivians joining terrorist groups had so far been reported in 2019. One of these cases had been filed while three other cases were currently under investigation.

The number is a significant increase from the total two cases that were reported in 2017-18.

Cases reported regarding extremist religious ideologies:

• 2 cases of praying and preaching separately.
• 2 cases of recruiting for terrorist organizations
• 1 case of funding a terrorist organization financially.
• 3 cases of refraining from vaccinating children based on religious beliefs.
• 2 cases of encouraging terrorism or conducting propaganda.

5 other cases regarding terrorism were also submitted to the Police. The statistics also showed that no cases of underage marriages were reported to the Police since 2014.