Two charged with supporting a terrorist organization given five days to appoint lawyers

Abdulla Ali Manik, Bahaaruge, HDh. Molhadhoo, who is charged with supporting a terrorist organization, has been given five days to appoint a lawyer by the Criminal Court; with his remand period being extended by five days.

Abdulla was arrested during a counter-terrorism operation conducted by the Police following the terror attack on Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed on May 6 – under suspicion of propagating extremist ideology.

He was arrested on May 19.

At a remand hearing held today at the Criminal Court – the State had requested Abdulla be remanded in custody pending outcome of the trial.

However, the judge presiding over the case had not decided on the matter upon the request of Abdulla to proceed in the case with assistance from a lawyer.

In addition to Abdulla – Mohamed Thasleem, Alanaasige, HA. Hoarafushi, who is also being charged with supporting a terrorist organization has been given five days to appoint a lawyer; with his remand period being extended by five days as well.

Abdulla Ali Manik was involved with a group of separatists who propagated extremist religious ideologies in HA. Himandhoo, and faced off with the security forces armed with wooden bats, sharpened metal rods and machetes in 2007. 

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2008, for his involvement in the violence in Himandhoo. He escaped from prison twice during that time. 

His first prison escape was in 2009. He was later found living in GDh. Thinadhoo, and during his transfer to Male’ City, made another escape attempt by jumping overboard, off the coast of V. Fulidhoo. 

His second prison escape was in 2010. He was found a year later living in K. Thilafushi. Police reported at the time that he had been heavily disguised. 

He walked free after completing his prison term.