Terror charges have been raised against an additional individual, accused of traveling abroad with the intent of joining a terror group.

Charges were raised against Ali Shafeeg, native to Kandholhudhoo of Raa atoll, on July 18, and the first hearing for the case is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Tuesday.

If found guilty, he faces a jail term of 17 to 20 years.

While there are nine such cases at the Criminal Court currently, hearings against two others, Ali Hamzath from GDh. Vaadhoo and Ahmed Ahzar Azeem from GA. Kanduhulhudhoo, commenced on Monday. A second hearing is scheduled for September 25.

While reports indicate that those involved in the 2007 Sultan Park bombing had fled to Pakistan, some international agencies had then stated that a number of Maldivians were taking part in the fight in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

These days a number of Maldivians leaving the country to join the war in Middle East, mainly Syria and Iraq. While international experts and agencies put the number well above 100, the Maldivian government claims that the number "is below 50".