Eid-day assault: hearing cancelled as state requires time for pre-trial submissions
The hearing was cancelled to give the state five days to examine the defense’s plea
Suspects arrested and charged in connection with the Eid-day assault
A hearing in the trial of the suspects arrested and charged in connection with the assault that took place on the day of Eid-al-Fitr, has been cancelled.
Wednesday's hearing was cancelled at a time the defence has submitted the pre-trial submissions, and as per the law, all those involved in the trial should be given five days to probe the submissions.
As such, the hearing was cancelled to give the state five days to examine the defense’s plea.
During the last hearing in connection with the case, charges against S. Hulhudhoo native Munaz Jaufar and GA. Maamendhoo native Ahmed Rabeeu, were heard.
Munaz is charged with assaulting another person with a dangerous weapon in a way that would cause injuries.
If proven guilty, Munaz stands to face a prison sentence of between 10 – 15 years.
Rabeeu has been charged for involvement in the assault on someone with a dangerous weapon.
He stands to face a prison sentence of 7 – 10 years if the charge is proven against him.
Others have also been charged in connection with the case, with the last hearing on the charges being held on September 7.
During the hearing, defendants had voiced concern over the delay in moving the suspects to a remand facility at the hearing.
In response to this, the state prosecutors stated that they have addressed a letter to the Maldives Correctional Services in this regard. As the authority is yet to respond, the state prosecutors revealed that they will write to them once more.
Defense Attorney Shazmee Ahmed had expressed concern over the matter during the last hearing as well.
As requested by the state, an order was also issued during the hearing to protect evidence.
The six individuals arrested in connection with the case include Ahmed Sathiu, Mausoom, Ahmed Shimhaz, 22 and native to Thimarafushi island of Thaa atoll, 18-year-old Looth Ahmed Asif native to Malé City, Gaaf Dhaal Vaadhoo island native Hassan Ziyan, 18 and Ahmed Nazih, 27, native to Gemanafushi island in Gaaf Alif atoll.
As such, Looth, Mausoom and Sathiu have been charged with assaulting someone with a sharp object.
Further, Ziyan, Shimhaz and Nazih have been charged with involvement in an attempt to assault someone with a sharp object that could inflict injuries.
Should the charges be proven against the first three suspects, they stand to face a prison sentence of 10 – 15 years.
Suspects charged with involvement in the assault stand to face a 7 – 10-year prison sentence if the charges against them are proven.
Presiding over the case at the Criminal Court, is Judge Sofwath Habeeb.
The gang violence took place at the Majeedhee Magu and Janavaree Magu intersection in the congested capital Malé City on the morning of May 2.
Police initially launched a search operation for seven individuals in connection with the assault.
One of the suspects include a minor below 15 years of age.
All of the arrested suspects except the minor, have been remanded for the period of the investigation and trial. The minor has been remanded for seven days, upon being presented to his remand hearing for the fourth time.
Minors under 18 years, have been identified victims of the Eid-day gang violence.
All of the suspects are currently remanded in police custody, pending the outcome of their trial.
