Mass Protest Charges: Three defendants seek plea deals for counseling, others granted time to appoint legal counsel
The Criminal Court has commenced the trial of eight individuals, including Member of Parliament Mauroof Zakir, charged with obstructing law enforcement during an MDP protest held last year. While some defendants have requested to enter into caution agreements with the Prosecutor General’s Office, the court has granted a 10-day period for the remaining individuals to appoint legal counsel.
Individuals arrested and charged in connection with the major protest held in Malé by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on October 3 last year have been summoned to court. | Raajje MV
The Criminal Court on Wednesday commenced the trial of several individuals arrested and charged in connection with a major protest held in Male' by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on October 3 last year.
The state has raised charges against eight individuals in connection with this case. Among those charged are the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, and the Councilor for the Hulhumale North constituency, Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya).
In addition, charges have been brought against Abdul Salam of N. Holhudhoo, Mohamed Hamaid Abdul Ghanee of N. Kudafari, Ali Naufal of Dhevvadhoo, Aishath Najudha Ali of HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, Ali Muavvaz of GDh. Gadhdhoo, and Hussain Rasheed of M. Fehige.
All individuals have been charged with intentionally obstructing law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
Judge Ibrahim Zihunee is presiding over the case at the Criminal Court. Preliminary proceedings for the case were conducted during Wednesday's hearing.
All parties were present at the hearing, with the exception of Member Maaroof.
As this was a preliminary hearing, the presiding judge explained the rights afforded under the Criminal Procedure Act and verified whether the defendant had received the necessary documentation and required legal representation.
During the hearing, Nauful, Muavvaz, and Hussain Rasheed noted that they had submitted proposals to enter into caution agreements with the Prosecutor General’s Office. They further highlighted that they have yet to receive a response regarding their submissions.
When questioned by the judge regarding the matter, the Prosecutor General’s Office attorney stated that they had received the application for a deferred prosecution agreement but noted that the office has yet to reach a final decision on the request.
Additionally, the remaining defendants requested the opportunity to appoint legal counsel. In response, the presiding judge granted them a 10-day period to secure representation. The judge further noted that a decision regarding the next steps in the proceedings would be made once the Prosecutor General’s Office concludes its review of the proposed plea agreement.
The Prosecutor General may decide to withdraw charges in cases where a formal caution agreement has been established with the Prosecutor General’s Office.
During the protest held by the MDP last October, demonstrators attempted to march from Artificial Beach along Majeedhee Magu. However, police obstructed the march using force and tactical gear.
