Alleged Maldivian militant Mohamed denies charge

Mohamed Abdul Rahman from Feeroazge in R. Kandholhudhoo – accused of leaving the country in 2007 under the ruse he was going abroad to study and then operating in a Pakistani militant group for nine years – has denied the charge against him.

Mohamed denied the charge against him with the assistance of an attorney during the closed hearing held at Criminal Court this Sunday.

The hearing was closed upon the request of the State prosecution.

A hearing was scheduled last Wednesday, February 22, but was cancelled after the defense attorney failed to show up.

The first hearing in the trial was held on February 15, during which the State prosecution read the charge against Mohamed.

He has been charged with partaking in foreign fighting/war in reference to Article 16 (a) (i) and Article 16 (c) of Anti-Terrorism Act.

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.