Abbas Faiz express concern over delays in trials of May 6 attack suspects

Abbas Faiz, the special envoy to the Government of Maldives to monitor the investigation, prosecution, and trial process of the terrorist attack against Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern over the delays in the trials of suspects charged in connection to the case.

Via a tweet today, Abbas said that the delay in the trial of the suspects accused in the May 6 attack is of serious concern. He stressed that while months have passed since charges have been pressed – only one case had seen conviction whilst all other cases are in the pre-trial stage

“The current delay in the trial of the accused in the May 6 attack is of serious concern. Months have passed since the charges were framed. Only one case received a trail. Others only in pre-trial stage. Unclear if trials will be batched together to avoid unnecessary delays,” the tweet read.

A homemade remote-controlled IED was strapped to a motorcycle parked nearby Nasheed’s residence and was detonated at 08:27 pm on May 6, just as Nasheed, 54, exited his residence and went to get in his car. Nasheed was thrown to the ground and sustained multiple shrapnel wounds.

Out of the nine suspects that have been charged in the case, only the trial of one suspect has concluded so far; that is Adhuham Ahmed Rasheed, 26, Hiyaa, V. Thinadhoo.

Adhuham who confessed to detonating the IED, was charged with carrying out an act of terrorism, conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, supporting a terrorist organization, and attempted murder with a sharp-edged weapon or a dangerous weapon.

Adhuham signed a plea deal with the state, and confessed to all four charges.

Under the plea deal, the state withdrew two of the charges; conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, and attempted murder with a dangerous weapon.

He was found guilty of carrying out an act of terrorism and supporting a terrorist organization, and sentenced to 23 years, six months, and nine days in prison on December 14, 2021.

The remaining suspects which charges were filed against are Mujaz Ahmed, 21, Ma. Feyruge, K. Male'; Thahmeen Ahmed, 32, Folheyma, GA. Kondey; Ali Haisham, 27, Nooreege, N. Manadhoo; Is’haq, M. Kudhehige, K. Male’; Fahumy Ali, Hudhuruvaage, GA. Vilingili and Mohamed Nazim, Asareege, AA. Maalhos; Abdulla Ali Manik, Bahaaruge, HA. Molhadhoo and Mohamed Thasleem, Alanaasige, HA. Hoarafushi.

Thahmeen was pressed with four charges; participating in carrying out an act of terrorism, conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, aiding in transporting an explosive, and supporting a terrorist organization

Haisham was pressed with three charges; conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, aiding in transporting an explosive, and participating in carrying out an act of terrorism. 

I’shaq was pressed with three charges; participating in an act of terrorism, conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism and aiding in the transportation of explosives

Mujaz was pressed with two charges; conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism and aiding and abetting a fugitive. 

Fahumy is being charged with participating in an act of terrorism.

Nazim is being charged with conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism.

Ali Manik and Thasleem are both being charged with supporting a terrorist organization.

Out of the 10 suspects arrested in the case by the Police, Ahmed Fathih, 23, Dhunfiniufaa, L. Gan, is the only one which the Prosecutor General's Office decided against charging. Subsequently, he has been released from custody.