Four suspects have been charged in connection to the May 6 terror attack that targeted Speaker of the Parliament and former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed.
A terror attack was carried out against Nasheed on May 6 by detonating an IED as he entered his vehicle near his residence in capital Male'. According to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), the IED was strapped to a motorcycle parked nearby. Nasheed sustained serious injuries in the attack and multiple critical surgeries were performed on Nasheed at ADK Hospital in Male'. Nasheed traveled to Germany on May 13 for additional treatment, and he is currently recuperating from his injuries in the United Kingdom.
According to the Prosecutor General's OFfice, 13 charges have been raised against four out of the ten suspects arrested in connection to the case. They are Adhuham Ahmed (25), Mujaz Ahmed (21), Thahmeen Ahmed (32) and Ali Haisham (27).
Adhuham Ahmed is the individual who remotely denoted the IED. According to the police, he was ready to sacrifice his life to successfully carry out the attack. Mujaz Ahmed had assisted Adhuham in changing his clothes following the attack, and to move about within the city. Ali Haisham is believed to have taken part in installing the device on the motorcycle, and played an important role in planning the attack. Thahmeen Ahmed is the owner of the motorcycle to which the IED was strapped, and had personally assisted in installing the bomb on the vehicle. The investigation found he had played an important role in planning the attack.
In a press conference held by the Prosecutor General's Office, Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem said the four charges raised against Adhuham include carrying out an act of terrorism, conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, supporting a terrorist organization, and attempting to kill using sharp or dangerous weapons.
The charges raised against Mujaz Ahmed are conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism and aiding and abetting a criminal. The charges will carry a 20-year sentence if found guilty.
Four charges were raised against Thahmeen which are, participating in an act of terrorism, conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, aiding in transporting explosives, and supporting a terrorist organization. The charges will carry a 49-year jail sentence if convicted.
Three charges were raised against Ali Haisham. They are conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism, aiding in transporting explosives and participating in carrying out an act of terrorism. The charges will carry a 46-year jail sentence if found guilty.
