Airport protest conviction delayed again

Hearing to announce convictions for the people who participated in a protest at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) last March has been delayed to September 7.

The hearing had previously been scheduled to be held on Thursday.

Sun Online has been informed that the hearing had been delayed to base the convictions on the new Penal Code.

Testimony of 10 witnesses produced by the state and two produced in defense of the protestors had all been collected during previous hearings.

Of the 15 protestors charged by the state, only one of the accused – Aminath Shaneez Saeed of M.Nirolhu – has failed to appear in court.

Those who appeared in court are:

1. Male’ City Deputy Mayor, Shifa Mohamed

2. Gnaviyani Atoll Fuvahmulah, Miskiymagu, Dhonaadu, Zahura Moosa

3. M.Nivhilman, Shamima Adamfulhu

4. H.Veyovilla, Shafiyya Zubair

5. Ma.Naarunguge, Mohamed Ibrahim Manik

6. Seenu Atoll Hulhudhoo, Kalhumagigey, Mariyam Zubair

7. Seenu Atoll Hithadhoo, Shedulas, Khadeeja Shaadiya

8. Male’ Dhaftharu 5866, Fathimath Rasheed

9. H.Tivegalight, Farisha Ahmed

10. M.Thanthaara, Aminath Zimna

11. G.Akashvilla, Aminath Zahira

12. G.Dhuvaafaru, Aishath Mamdhooha

13. Ma.Beachhouse, Aminath Dhumaina Irshaad

14. M.Fehifaih, Yumna

They were arrested after they held a protest at the Departure Hall of International Terminal in INIA on March 5, calling for release of opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed.

They were charged in reference to 24(7) of Peaceful Protest Act, under 88(a) of Penal Code.