MVR 1.12 million disbursed to conduct trials for arson cases

Finance Ministry has disbursed an amount of MVR 1.12 million to conduct the trials of those carrying terrorism charges for setting fire to government buildings in Addu City and Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo on the 8th of February 2012.

An official from the Judiciary Media Unit said that the Finance Ministry has deposited MVR 1.12 million to the Department of Judicial Administration account, as per their request.

The official said that the Department of Judicial Administration is currently in the process of obtaining the resources necessary to conduct the trials.

Except for three, the trials of all accused of arson in Addu City are at a stage where the court requires their statements. An official from the Criminal Court Ahmed Mohamed Manik said that the court requires be present in Addu City in order to hear their statements. He also said that the trials for the 89 people accused of arson in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo can only commence once they travel to Thinadhoo.

The places burned down in Addu City in February last year include; Gan Police Station, Feydhoo Magistrate Court, Hithadhoo Magistrate Court, Hithadhoo Police Station, Hulhudhoo Magistrate Court, the Police training school and accommodation blocks in Hithadhoo and the Prosecutor General’s office branch in Addu City. A café was also set on fire in addition to all the vehicles used by the police.

The places set on fire on Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo include; Gaafu Dhaalu Council office, Thinadhoo Magistrate Court, Thinadhoo Police Station and all police vehicles on the island.