One of the main suspects arrested in connection to the May 6 blast that targeted Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, Ali Haisham will remain in custody pending the outcome of trial, the Criminal Court has ordered.
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 him at ADK Hospital in Male'. Nasheed later traveled to Germany on May 13 for additional treatment, and he is currently recuperating from his injuries in the United Kingdom.
The court previously ordered three out of the ten suspects arrested in connection to the case, Adhuham Ahmed (25), Mujaz Ahmed (21) and Thahmeen Ahmed (32) to remain in custody until the end of trial. The court on Saturday maintained the other.
The Prosecutor General, Hussain Shameem has previously disclosed that Haisham and Thahmeen's DNA were identified from the IED that was detonated on May 6. The police believe Haisham was the suspect who installed the IED on the parked motorcycle. PG Shameem said he believed the state had enough evidence to convict him of the charges raised against him. The charges 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.
