Judge Adam recuses himself from bench overseeing May 6 attack trials

Criminal Court Judge Adam Mohamed has recused himself from the judge’s bench overseeing the trials of the suspects charged in connection to the terrorist attack against Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed on May 6, 2021.

There are three judges on the bench. While Judge Adam presides, the remaining two judges are Sofwath Habeeb and Mohamed Misbah.

 The hearing on Sunday, June 12, involved the following suspects:

• Mujaz Ahmed, Ma. Feyruge, K. Male’  
• Thahmeen Ahmed, Folheyma, GA. Kondey 
• Ali Haisham, Nooreege, N. Manadhoo  
• Mohamed Nazim, Asareege, AA. Maalhos 
• Is’haq, M. Kudhehige, K. Male’ 
• Fahumy Ali, Hudhuruvaage, GA. Vilingili  

While starting off the hearing, Judge Adam said that the court had received a letter from Is’haq, expressing concern over conflict of interest, and requesting him to recuse himself from the case.

Judge Adam had presided over the case of local blogger Yameen Rasheed – who was brutally murdered in the stairwell of his residence in Male’ City, M. Spatula, on April 23, 2017.   

Is’haq’s son had threatening the judge during the trial.

Meanwhile, one of the defendants in Yameen Rasheed's murder, Hassan Shifaz, is registered to M.Kudhehige, the same address as Is’haq, and is Is'haq's son's uncle.

The letter sent from Is’haq expressed the belief that there might be a chance of it getting personal, should Judge Adam remain on the bench.

Judge Adam made the decision to recuse himself from the case, as requested.

Judge Adam concluded the hearing after the announcement. The trial will resume once a new judge's bench is put together.