3 Maldivian “jihadists” charged with terrorism

State has charged three Maldivians who attempted to travel to Syria for “jihad” with terrorism.

This is the first time for such charges to be pressed against Maldivians who attempt to travel to Syria to join in on the civil war the country is engulfed in.

The three people charged with terrorism have been identified as Ahmed Latheef from Muringu in L. Maamendhoo, Ahmed Suhail Moosa from Neel Villa in G. Dh. Rathafandhoo, and Munawwar Abdulla from Scenaryge in Th. Gaadhiffushi.

Prosecutor General’s Office reported that the three individuals were caught from Turkey-Syria border, attempting to cross into Syria and join in on the fighting after travelling out of the country on February 15.

Anti-Terrorism Act prescribes 17 to 20 years in prison for anyone found guilty of leaving Maldives to join in on any war happening outside the country.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Islamic Affairs has declared that anyone joining on a war outside their respective countries was no religiously permissible.