Charges have been raised against those involved in the Yoga Day unrest.
On June 21, the Youth Ministry and the Indian Embassy in the Maldives jointly organized an event to celebrate International Yoga Day at the stadium. The event was held despite religious scholars advising against it, as yoga is considered impermissible by the majority of scholars. While the event was ongoing, a group stormed the stadium and caused unrest at the venue. Twenty-one people, including two religious scholars, were arrested in the days that followed and most subsequently released.
The Prosecutor General's Office on Sunday raised charges on nineteen people in connection to the incident. Those charged include religious scholars Sheikh Fazloon Mohamed and Sheikh Adam Nishan. The two were charged with inciting an act of terrorism. The punishment for this offense is 10 to 15 years in prison.
Those charged with committing an act of terrorism are:
- Mohamed Zilian, Ma. Kanuhuraa
- Abdulla Rifau, Th. Thimarafushi, Narugas Villa
- Aboobakuru Fariu, N. Miladhoo, Carnationmaage
- Ahmed Aksam, R. Kandholhudhoo, Alamaage
- Ahmed Nasooh, Ga. Maamendhoo, Asrafee Villa
- Hassan Shifaz, M. Kudhehige
- Shabim Adam, F. Dhanburudhoo, Aabaadhee Gulshan
The punishment for this offense is 20 to 25 years in jail.
Those charged with participating in an act of terrorism:
- Mohamed Ismail, Ha. Hoarafushi, Yaagoothuge
- Abdulla Niyaz, G. Phoenix
- Ali Mohamed, Th. Thimarafushi, Ali Aabaad
- Ibrahim Zihan, N. Velidhoo, Milano
- Mohamed Shan, L. Mundhoo, Annaaruge
- Hussain Ali, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, Baabooge
- Ahmed Ali, M. Falhumatheege
If they are found guilty of the charges, they will receive a sentence of 17 to 25 years in jail.
Fourteen people were charges with obstructing law enforcement officers. They are:
- Mohamed Faisal, G. Ufuriyaa
- Mohamed Faisal, M. Orchid House
- Mohamed Zilian, Ma. Kanuhuraa
- Abdulla Rafeeu, Th. Thimarafushi, Narugis Villa
- Aboobakuru Fariu, N. Miladhoo, Carnationmaage
- Ahmed Aksam, R. Kandholhudhoo, Alamaage
- Ahmed Nasooh, Ga. Maamendhoo, Asrafee Villa
- Hassan Shifaz, M. Kudhehige
- Shabim Adam, F. Dhanburudhoo, Aabaadhee Gulshan
- Abdulla Niyaz, G. Phoenix
- Ali Mohamed, Th. Thimarafushi, Ali Aabaad
- Ibrahim Zihan, N. Velidhoo, Milano
- Mohamed Shan, L. Mundhoo, Annaaruge
- Ahmed Ali, M. Falhumatheege
They face between 17 and 25 years in prison if convicted.
Additionally, Abdulla Rifau of Th. Thimarafushi, Narugis Villa, has been charged with possession of a document indicating that he supports a terrorist group. If convicted, he faces between one and three years in prison. Shabim Adam, of F. Dharanboodhoo, Aabaadhee Gulshan was also charged with assault using a weapon. If convicted, he faces between seven and ten years in prison.
Those charged with attempted assault with a weapon are:
- Abdulla Rifau, Th. Thimarafushi, Narugas Vila
- Ahmed Aksam, R. Kandholhudhoo, Alamaage
- Hassan Shifaz, M. Kudhehige
The three men face between three and five years in prison if convicted.
The prosecution has also charged Mohamed Ismail and Mohamed Zilian with obstruction of justice. The punishment for this offense is one year, seven months, and six days in jail.
