Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has stated more charges could be pressed in relation to the terrorist attack against Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed on May 6, 2021, depending on the evidence produced during the investigation.
In a statement released regarding the prosecution of the suspected perpetrators of the May 6 attack, the PGO said the investigation and prosecution of the nine individuals that were charged in relation to the attack were carried out within the timeframe and procedures described by law. As such, the PGO noted acquisition and analysis of evidence and preparation of charge sheets were carried out in a collaborated effort between the investigation team of Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the state prosecutors. The PGO noted all available resources were utilised to ensure strong cases were produced against the suspects, adding technical assistance had been provided by countries such as the US, UK and Australia.
In its statement, the PGO noted one of the key suspects of the attack, Ahmed Adhuham Rasheed, had confessed to his crimes during the trial and is currently serving his sentence. The PGO noted the confession was not coerced, as verified by both the PGO and the Criminal Court in accordance to the Criminal Procedures Act. The PGO added sufficient evidence had been collected against Adhuham to ensure the charges would have been proven in court even if he did not confess.
In relation to concerns that wider links to the attack including possible funding sources from outside the current circle of suspects have not been identified, the PGO stated there is no legal obstruction to charge more individuals in relation to the attack if the required evidence is collected. As such, the PGO said more people could still be charged depending on the evidence produced.
Speaker Nasheed was severely injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attached to a motorcycle was triggered while he was getting in his car on the night of May 6 last year. The attack left Nasheed with serious injuries, requiring multiple life-saving surgeries at ADK Hospital in Male’ and additional medical treatment in Germany and the UK.
A total of nine people were charged in relation to the attack, but only Ahmed Adhuham Rasheed has received a sentence so far. The trials of the remaining eight suspects are still ongoing.