The Criminal Court of the Maldives has begun the trial for four suspects in the May 6 terrorist attack. A bench consisting of three judges is presiding over the trial.
The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has submitted cases against Adhuham Ahmed, Mujaaz Ahmed, Thahumeen Ahmed, and Ali Haisham with charges totalling 13 counts under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
At the first closed-door hearing, the court confirmed that the suspects have received the necessary trial documents and allowed Adhuham Ahmed and Ali Haisham 10 days to appoint legal representatives. Furthermore, the court allowed more time for the representatives of Mujaaz Ahmed and Thahumeen Ahmed to review the numerous documents related to the trial.
The court also reviewed the remand sentences of the suspects and ordered all suspects to be remanded for the rest of the trial.
PGO has charged Adhuham with attempting a terrorist act, planning a terrorist act, supporting a terrorist group, and attempted murder with the use of a weapon. Adhuham would receive a 37-year prison sentence if found guilty on all counts and that state prosecutors have made a plea agreement with the defendant, which would reduce the sentence to 23 years.
Furthermore, Thahumeem has been charged with planning a terrorist act, participating in a terrorist act, aiding in transporting explosives, and supporting a terrorist group. He would receive a prison sentence of over 49 years if found guilty on all counts.
Meanwhile, Haisham has been charged with planning a terrorist act, aiding in transporting explosives, and participating in a terrorist act. He faces a prison sentence of 46 years if found guilty on all counts.
In addition, Mujaaz has been charged with planning a terrorist act, which carries a prison sentence of 17-20 years, and aiding a fleeing criminal, which carries a prison sentence of 9 years and 18 months.