Terror suspect Mafthooh rearrested under new court order

One of the suspects arrested in the police crackdown on extremism in Addu City last May, who was later released by the Supreme Court, has been rearrested under a new court order.

Mafthooh Saeed, Victory, GA. Kolamaafushi, was arrested from Addu on May 15.

Police arrested nine suspects in the operation in Addu. Though Hithadhoo Magistrate Court initially ordered all eight suspects to custody of police for 15 days, the court released five of the suspects, including Mafthooh, when presented before the court for an extension to their remand on May 30, citing lack of sufficient evidence to keep them detained.

Prosecutor General’s Office appealed their release with the High Court on June 1, citing violation of judicial and legal standards.

The High Court overturned the decision of the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court and ordered their re-arrest on June 13.

However, Mafthooh subsequently filed an appeal with the Supreme Court over his rearrest.

The court overturned the High Court decision and ordered Mafthooh’s released on June 30, stating the police reserve the right to file for a new detainment order with the lower court based on new evidence.

Police said on Saturday that Mafthooh was rearrested under a court order on July 1. The court has ordered for him to be remanded in custody for 14 days.

Police suspect Mafthooh of involvement in a separatist movement to spread extremism, incitement to terrorism, possession and storage of items needed to prepare IEDs, and conspiracy to harm civilians and property.