The next hearing in the case regarding the arson attack on a police speedboat back in March 2020, will be held on January 19.

A hearing for the two individuals charged with terrorism, in relation to the arson attack on a police speedboat back in March 2020 was held at the Criminal Court on Thursday.

Terror charges were raised on Moosa Inas, native to Kalhaidhoo island of Laamu atoll and Abdul Latheef Ibrahim native to Gan Island in the same atoll.

The judge presiding over the trial is Judge Sofhath Habeeb.

The first hearing was regarding the charges raised against Inas, for carrying out an act of terrorism.

During Thursday’s hearing, the judges bench reviewed a request by the state to review the court order. As such, the state attorney revealed that a remand review will not be required following the amendment brought to the laws, as the suspect was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The defense attorney responded by stating that the remand must be reviewed in accordance with the suspect’s condition in remand.

When questioned on the state’s stand in connection to the remand of suspects in such cases linked to terrorism, the state attorney revealed that the state does not believe the remand of such suspects must be reviewed.

As the accused faces charges of attempting to carry out an act of terrorism, the presiding judge revealed that a remand review may not be submitted. However, should a remand review be sought due to evolving circumstances, it will proceed.

During the hearing, Inas stated that he is yet to receive proper treatment for the injuries he attained by being tortured by police officers, while in remand. The presiding judge revealed that they had received a letter which detailed that Inas had revealed he was tortured. With this, the judge stated that they may order the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) to provide the rights of medical treatment to the suspect and that they would investigate the matter.

Inas was told to submit a written letter if he had any complaints due to his medical condition. The court will then seek a word from the corrections authority and forward the case to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) if any issues come to their attention.

The suspect is to have claimed that the facility he is remanded in, is in no condition to keep prisoners and that he is yet to receive proper treatment for his knee injuries. The presiding judge cited the correctional authority having revealed that the required action has been taken in connection to the suspect’s complaints and claims.

With this, the presiding judge has scheduled another hearing for January 19, where a decision will be reached on the pre-trial submissions.

Inas was found guilty of involvement in the Sultan Park bombing back in 2007, for which he had carried out a sentence as well.

With this being said, state prosecutors had earlier stated that there is adequate evidence to prove the charges currently raised against him, adding that he has been remanded for public safety as he was behind the arson attack on police vessels which caused losses to the state and immersed the public in fear.

Charges were raised on the two Maldivian men under the Anti-Terrorism Act and they stand to face a jail term between 20 – 25 years if they are found guilty.

Police earlier discovered material such as videos and documents supporting and promoting extremism in hard disks confiscated during the investigation stage, from the residence of the one of the suspects. The material found on the hard disks supported the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda, revealed the Prosecutor General’s Office.

PGO revealed that Abdul Latheef had confessed to obstructing law enforcement by destroying evidence and that he was sentenced to one year and 12 days in prison by the Gan Magistrate Court, on 6 July 2020.

The arson attack took place on 22 March 2020 and the Islamic State had taken responsibility for the fire that burned five boats docked at Mahibadhoo harbor, to crisp. This came after police revealed that the fire is “believed to be a terrorist attack”, citing similarities with other such attacks on a sea ambulance as well as police and council speedboats.

A report published earlier by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) indicated that the Islamic State is working in the Maldives “with a network of supporters”.