Suspects in stabbing of foreigners in Hulhumalé, released

Suspects in the attack of three foreigners in the capital’s suburban district, have been released.

The three foreigners -one Australian and two Chinese; a tourist and worker- were stabbed on 4th February, and a video where a group of men -with their faces covered- taking responsibility for the attack, was shared online; these men claim to be affiliated with the terrorist group, Islamic State.

Police have since revealed that this attack was “an act of revenge” by individuals with extremist ideologies in the country. The case is to have been forwarded for prosecution on April 18.

However, the suspects have since been released.

Police said that they were released due to failure to press charges within the statutory period, adding that they were informed that the evidence provided was not enough to press charges.

Police stated that additional measures are being taken following their release. Eight monicon orders were issued against eight suspected extremists on Thursday, according to Home Minister Imran Abdulla.

Eight suspects were arrested in connection to the attack; seven on February 13 and one on March 2, from Thimarafushi island in Thaa atoll.

Police, at a press conference held in late-April, said that the attack was in retaliation for the counter terrorism operation launched in late 2019. They alsodetailedthe findings of the investigation, including that four of the suspects were actively involved in the attack and added that they had also found the weapon used as well as those assigned to dispose this and the clothes of the attackers.