MDP expresses concern over release of all suspects in Mahfooz’s attack
Called to seek justice for Mahfooz
Lawyer Mahfooz Saeed in IGMH receiving treatment
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had expressed concern over the release of suspects arrested in connection to the attack on lawyer Mahfooz Saeed.
In a statement released in Dhivehi, MDP said they suspects were remanded for the duration of trial, but were secretly released by Criminal Court.
It also condemned all those who were responsible for failing to establish justice.
The statement added that three were remanded and later on released, while a fourth suspect was still unaccounted for. MDP said that a year had lapsed to the horrific attack, with multiple hearings of the case cancelled.
Noting that Mahfooz was attacked in broad day light, MDP's statement highlighted the culture of impunity that had permeated the society. The release of the arrestees, in spite of the existing warrant, further proves this point, the statement read. Mahfooz was stabbed in the temple in the capital Malé City on the 4th of September 2015.
It noted that disclosing progress of case with the victim was standard procedure in all civilized societies. This, it read, was not observed in the Maldives, further underscoring the issues with the judicial justice system.
It further read that the release of arrestees, clearly shows that the state did not view them as dangerous criminals, in spite of their crimes. Their release, while others remained in detention for far less severe crimes, showed how selective justice had permeated the judicial justice system.
The statement concluded by calling on authorities and courts to establish justice for Mahfooz.
