Councillors of Haa Alif Atoll prosecuted for obstructing police

Cases have been filed against four councillors of Haa Alif Atoll and several others for obstructing the police during a protest in front of Dhidhdhoo Police Station on the night of 8 February 2012.

The people being prosecuted are Haa Alif Atoll Council former President Yoosuf Siraj, Haa Alif Atoll Council President Ahmed Rishwan, Dhidhdhoo Council President Mohamed Naeem, Dhidhdhoo Council Member Ahmed Jameel, Ahmed Siraj of Hazaarumaage in Dhidhdhoo, Hussain Afeef of Malaazaa in Dhidhdhoo, and Ibrahim Shahid of Amaaz in Dhidhdhoo.

An official of Dhidhdhoo Magistrate Court said that they are being charged for participating in the efforts by the crowd that gathered near Dhidhdhoo Police Station at around 8:15 pm on 8 February 2012, to obstruct the police from carrying out their duties.

He said that all suspects denied the charges in the first session of the trial held last Sunday, which was followed by the presentation of evidence by the State. He said that witnesses will present their statements at the next session.

Article 75 of the Police Act states that the penalty for such crimes is the imposition of a fine not exceeding MVR 12,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months; or the imposition of a fine not exceeding MVR 12,000 along with imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.