Seventeen people accused of arson attacks in Hithadhoo plead not guilty

Eighteen people charged with terrorism by the State following the arson attacks and the damage caused to property in Hithadhoo, Addu City, have pleaded not guilty to these allegations.

At the trial at Criminal Court today, they said that they were not present at the area where the arson attacks occurred on the night of 8 February 2012.

Seventeen of them are charged with terrorism, and accused of having caused damage to the Prosecutor General’s Office, Magistrate Court, Police Station, Police Training School, Police Accommodation block, and Cafe Kohere in Hithadhoo between 19:00 and 21:30 on 8 February 2012.

Aishath Ibrahim, 50, of Noorathi, S. Hithadhoo, is accused of encouraging a group as they caused damage to the Hithadhoo Police Training School.

Aishath Ibrahim pleaded not guilty to these charges today, and said that her house is located opposite to the Police Training School, and that she was at home with the children when the School was attacked. She had in fact not even seen damage being caused to the building.

The rest of the people charged, all citizens of Hithadhoo, are Mohamed Jabeen of Mududhaas, Abdullah Ali and Hussain Ali of Sabbuge, Malik Ahmed Didi of Haalaafaru, Ahmed Hussain of Hudhumaavaharugeaage, Abdullah Shahid of Chaaman, Shiham Habeeb of Violet Fehi, Mohamed Naagis and Ahmed Shujau of Alibokhaareege, Hassan Naseer of Emtation, Ibrahim Nafiu of Finima, Ali Ahmed of Imitheege, Ibrahim Asad of Oavagge, Mohamed Shammoon of Sosunge, Mohamed Hassan of Dhunsaamuraanige, and Ali Lisham of Bisge, Th. Thimarafushi.

Malik Ahmed Didi and Ibrahim Asad have been serving prison sentences, while Ahmed Sujau has previously been accused of drug trafficking.

The Judge concluded today’s session by giving the defendants who wished to appoint lawyers to represent them the opportunity to do so, and also by announcing that the next trial session will be held on Thursday.