Thinadhoo arson attacks: All except one suspect informed of charges

The Criminal Court has said that all except one of the 89 people charged with terrorism following the arson attack on three government buildings in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo on 8 February 2012, have been informed of the charges against them.

Media Official of Criminal Court Ahmed Mohamed Manik said that this was completed yesterday.

He said that the suspects were informed via an audio conference call between Criminal Court and Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo Magistrate Court, after they were asked to be present at Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo Magistrate Court.

The suspect that remains to be informed is Ahmed Saleem of Westpole Iru, Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo. The court said that two attempts to deliver the official notification to him have failed as his present address is unknown.

The 89 suspects include some who are accused of gathering near Thinadhoo Police Station, attacking police officers, causing damage to the Police Station building and equipment and setting fire to a vehicle of the Police Station; and others who are accused of causing damage to Thinadhoo Magistrate Court building, setting fire to items in the court, and causing damage to Gaafu Dhaalu Council Office building and equipment.

The incident caused serious damage and losses to Thinadhoo Police Station, Magistrate Court, Gaafu Dhaalu Council Office, the Maldivian government and the people of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.

The suspects include former Manager of Thinadhoo STO shop Mohamed Nizam, Mohamed Liraar Ali, Kaadedhdhoo Airport Manager Ali Riyaz, Loan Officer of BML Thinadhoo Mohamed Ali, Gaafu Dhaalu Council Member Ahmed Gais, Thinadhoo Council Vice President Mohamed Zahir, Thinadhoo Council Member Haulath Ali, Kinaanath Mohamed and Ali Shaam.