High Court accepts appeal of Hoodh’s 23-year terrorism sentence

The High Court has accepted an appeal filed by Hoodh Mohamed Zahir challenging his 23-year prison sentence, which was handed down after he was found guilty of multiple terrorism-related charges.

The individual has been charged with five counts of terrorism-related offenses in connection with this case. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, he used various social media accounts on his phone to incite acts of terrorism. The charges specify that he called for violence, murder, property damage, and the execution of aggressive attacks.

When filing charges in this case, the Prosecutor General’s Office stated that the suspect is accused of using various social media platforms and accounts to express support for the terrorist organization Islamic State. He is further alleged to have disseminated the group’s literature, photographs, and videos online, while issuing threats to plan and execute acts of terrorism.

The charges against him were filed and submitted to the Criminal Court on April 18, 2022.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, information regarding Hoodh Mohamed Zahir was shared with Maldivian authorities by foreign intelligence agencies. The PG Office further stated that the investigation into this case has received extensive support and cooperation from intelligence agencies and investigative bodies across various foreign countries.

The Criminal Court sentenced Hoodh Mohamed Zahir to 23 years in prison last September after he was found guilty of those charges.

The High Court has accepted the appeal filed by him challenging the decision.