AG: Individuals suspected of terror-related crimes can be kept under custody

Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath has stated there are no obstructions within the law to ensure the custody of individuals suspected of terror-related crimes, and individuals returning from war.

RIffath made this statement whilst answering to question posed by parliamentarians during a parliamentary question session held earlier today.

In this regard, Ungoofaaru MP Mohamed Waheed (Wadde) inquired regarding the obstructions within the law to keep terror suspects in custody citing that Home Minister Imran Abdulla has previously stated in a parliamentary session that the Anti-Terrorism Act does not allow for people believed to be a threat to the society to be kept in custody.

In answering this question, AG Riffath said that there are two procedures formulated under the Anti-Terrorism Act – one of which allows the Home Minster to issue MoniCon orders against individuals. 

He also added that the law paves way for persons who are arrested under the normal procedure to be kept in custody for rehabilitation.

AG Riffath stressed that both these procedures are followed in foreign countries as well. He further said that whilst the law clearly stipulates this – such issues can only be solved when the law is implemented as written.

Speaking further, AG Riffath said that the law allows for individuals suspected of terror-related crimes and individuals returning from war, who are reasonably believed to be a threat to the society if released from custody – to be kept in custody.

“At first it is for a 30-day period – during which a risk assessment will be done. Following this, if the person is deemed to have taken part in a terrorism-related act – they can be criminally charged and kept in custody pending outcome of trial,” he explained.

AG Riffath also added that persons arrested regarding terrorism-related crimes may be kept in custody without a court order for the first 24-hours from arrest.