High Court: Sheikh Fazloon detained lawfully

High Court has concluded that religious scholar, Al-Sheikh Fazloon bin Mohamed who was arrested in connection to the mob attack on the event held at the national football stadium on June 21, to mark World Yoga Day, was detained lawfully.

Sheikh Fazloon was arrested on suspicions of involvement in the mob attack on June 21. He was granted conditional release by the Criminal Court on July 21.

Prior to his release – Fazloon had filed an appeal with High Court to overturn three orders issued by the Criminal Court.

A three-judge bench which reviewed the appeal decided on Monday that Fazloon was detained lawfully, whereas his remand was extended lawfully as well.

The judges’ bench comprised of Judge Shuaib Hussain Zakariyya, High Court’s Chief Judge Hathif Hilmy and Judge Fathimath Faruheeza.

In High Court’s ruling, they said that evidence had been submitted to corroborate that Sheikh Fazloon committed the crime he is accused of – detailing the prosecution had submitted an intelligence report, video, statements of police officers to Criminal Court.

The Court further stated that although Sheikh Fazloon had presented argumentative points – they were not enough to overturn Criminal Court’s decisions.

Whilst Criminal Court has granted conditional release to Sheikh Fazloon – the prosecution has appealed this decision to the High Court.

The yoga event, organized by the Indian Cultural Center and the Sports Ministry, was held on the morning of June 21, and was attended by dozens of participants, foreign ambassadors including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, diplomats, and government officials.

A mob of angry protestors had stormed the stadium, and threatened and assaulted some of the participants, and destroyed property.

Police said in an earlier statement the case was being investigated as a serious matter.

Over 20 suspects were arrested in connection to the mob attack on the event, including top PPM politician, former MP Mohamed Ismail, local Islamic scholars Sheikh Adam Nishan and Sheikh Fazloon. Some suspects including both scholars and Mohamed Ismail, have since been released.