Adheeb and some MNDF officers charged in the Presidential Launch case

Former Vice President Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Gafoor and some officers of the MNDF has been charged in suspicion of their involvement in the explosion on board the Presidential Launch “Finifenma.”

Aside from the former Vice President, the charges were brought up against his two bodyguards, Sargent Hassan Rikaz, Corporal Ahmed Amir along with the former Head of the Presidential Security, Colonel Ahmed Fayaz Ali Riza (Papa), Leftenant Ahmed Thiham and Sargent Moosa Zameer.

The former Vice President, Ahmed Adheeb is being charged with terrorism and misuse of official authority.

His two bodyguards were charged with terrorism while the Colonel “Papa” is being charged with obstruction of justice and purposefully obstructing a law enforcement officer.

Zameer and Thiham are being charged with obstruction of justice.

Terrorism Charges:

• For planting an IED on board the “Finifenma” Launch on 27 September 2015

• For detonating the said IED on 28 September 2015 around 8 a.m. as the Presidential Launch was docking at the Izzudheen Jetty injuring those on board and damaging the vessel.

The charges of Terrorism were brought up referred to Chapter 2-A,D, E and G of Article 90/10 under Article 6-B.

Misuse of Official Authority:

• For boarding the Presidential Launch by using his official authority as the Vice President to plant an IED in league with a group of people.

The charges of Misuse of Official Authority were brought up in reference to Article 513-B under C of the Penal Code.

Purposefully Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officers:

• For forbidding the Police Officers that went to investigate the scene after the Presidential Launch Explosion from boarding the vessel.

The charges of Purposefully Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officers were brought up under Article 232-C in reference to A of the Penal Code.

Obstruction of Justice:

• Against Ahmed Fayaz Ali Riza for going to the scene of the Presidential Launch Explosion, taking command and failing to take the necessary precautions to preserve the scene of the crime.

• Against Ahmed Thiham and Moosa Zameer for boarding the Presidential Launch and taking possible evidence from the scene of the crime under the orders from Ahmed Fayaz Ali Riza,

The Charges were brought up under Article 523-B in reference to A of the Penal Code.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said that they are working with the Police to complete the paperwork on other suspects believed to be involved in the crime.