Abbas Adil Riza charged for encouraging arson attack on Indian High Commission

Abbas Adil Riza, an activist representing the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), has been charged over the encouragement of an arson attack on the High Commission of India in the Maldives.

Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) stated that they charged Abbas Adil Riza with threatening destruction under the Penal Code for encouraging an arson attack on the High Commission of India in the Maldives in addition to other landmarks in Male’ City.

Abbas was arrested over a tweet encouraging an arson attack on the High Commission of India in the Maldives on December 25^th.

Abbas, in a tweet, alleged that arson was committed at Addu City during the unrest by members of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on February 8, 2012 after then-President Mohamed Nasheed’s government was overthrown, was on the orders of India. Noting that revenge has yet to be taken over the matter, Abbas called to set ablaze the Indian High Commission in the Maldives.

Security measures were increased at the High Commission subsequently.

PG Office said that Abbas also encouraged arson attacks at different landmarks across Male’ City while speaking on the social media platform ‘Club House’ – subsequent to discontentment over the money laundering and bribery trial of the opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom.

Abbas has since been released from custody. However, if the charge against Abbas is proven in court, he faces a prison sentence of one year, seven months and six days.

Abbas served as the government spokesperson during former President Mohamed Waheed’s administration and as State Minister for Finance and Customs Commissioner in addition to the Trade Representative of the Maldives to Malaysia during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s administration.