RaajjeTV arson case: suspect Meeaadh was seen entering BKT building with weapon
RaajjeTV incurred losses amounting MVR 11.65 million due to the arson attack on 7 October 2013
RaajjeTV incurred losses amounting MVR 11.65 million due to the arson attack on 7 October 2013
While the Criminal Court is conducting a remand review of Mohamed Meeaadh, charged with arson in relation to 2013 RaajjeTV fire, a hearing in the case was held on Sunday.
A summary of the case was presented at the hearing, with Judge Ali Adam presiding over the case.
The state prosecutor noted that Meeaadh, along with five others committed arson in RaajjeTV studio in BKT building and affirmed that Meeaadh had denied all allegations. The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office had submitted both witness statements and documents as evidence.
The state prosecutor further affirmed that the fact that anonymous witnesses have provided testimonies that prove that Meeaadh was among the five that burnt down the station and stated that he was seen putting on a mask and entering BKT building.
A 690 gram, 15.5-inch long and two-inch wide nail claw was bent on one side and used as a weapon to enter the building by breaking the metal lock and destroying the gate. After setting the building on fire, the five suspects had fled the scene immediately, leaving behind their weapon. CCTV footage shows one of the suspect's arms catching fire.
According to the prescription slip Meeaadh received from his doctor, parts of his body were burnt, said the state prosecutor, who also affirmed that Meeaadh had attacked the security guard stationed at the building that night. It is to be noted that the pictures taken after Meeaadh was brought into the custody of the police, further support these statements.
Further, although witnesses presented by the defense stated that Meeaadh was out of the city on a trip when the incident had occurred, the state prosecutor argued that the statements provided by these witnesses were very contradicting as they could not even remember the name of the island Meeaadh was visiting. The state attorney then affirmed that the defense was unable to provide evidence that would cause the state’s evidence to be considered as void.
The state had requested that the court rules in their favor, as all evidence proves Meeaadh to be guilty of the crime.
Meeaadh’s lawyer stated that he was not given the rights he was supposed to receive under the law, during the investigation of the case.
The defense noted that contrasting statements were made by witnesses in regards to the number of cycles the accused had arrived on and where they were parked and affirmed that they wished to speak more with some witnesses. The defense further recognized that when witnesses spoke of a glove being used, they were unable to tell what color the glove was and affirmed that it is unknown whether the glove was taken from the scene. He then added that the chain of custody was neglected when analyzing the glove for DNA.
The defense attorney concluded by stating that there was not enough evidence to prove Meeaadh as guilty.
The presiding judge affirmed that the evidence presented by both sides will be reviewed before coming to a verdict, which will be announced at the next hearing.
The fire incident at BKT building, which was where the old RaajjeTV studio was located, took place at midnight on October 7, 2013 and caused all equipment to be burnt and destroyed. RaajjeTV faced a loss of MVR 11.65 million due to this incident.
