Maldivian prosecuted; 9 years as a militant in Pakistan

State is prosecuting a Maldivian man – Mohamed Abdul Rahman from R. Dhuvaafaru – who is accused of operating as a militant in Pakistan for 9 years – after travelling to the country for studies in 2007.

The first hearing in the trial was held at Criminal Court at 2 pm, this Sunday.

Reading the charge against him, State prosecutor said Mohamed was accused of traveling to Pakistan for studies in 2007 and then joining a group of militants there.

Mohamed has been charged with partaking in fighting in a foreign country under Anti-Terrorism Act. And was arrested in 2016.

Article 16(a) (i) of Anti-Terrorism Act states partaking in fighting in a foreign country without permission of Maldivian government as a criminal offense.

Article 16(c) prescribes a prison sentence of 17 to 20 years for anyone found guilty of the offense.

Mohamed stated that he wished to make his plea after consulting an attorney.

Judge Adam Areef ended the hearing after granting Mohamed 10 days in which to hire an attorney.

Mohamed is the fourth Maldivian to be charged with partaking in fighting in a foreign country.