Three suspects in attack on MP acquitted

The three individuals suspected of attacking Mathiveri MP Hassan Zareer with a sharp implement had been acquitted.

Zareer was attacked around 04:15hrs on May 01, 2023 at a Male’ City café. He was a sitting MP at the time.

The assailants had kicked on his body and limbs Zareer repeatedly before hitting on his head with a hammer. Zareer claims he was attacked by a mob of five.

The state pressed charges against Mohamed Avsham, Dheefuramge, Th. Kinbidhoo; Mulaim Mohamed, Thaaj Ge, Male’ City; and Ibrahim Abdulla, Night Villa, Male’ City. Both Avsham and Mulaim were charged with aiding and abetting assault with weaponry.

Abdulla was charged with assault with dangerous weaponry.

All three were acquitted by the Criminal Court on Thursday citing lack of sufficient evidence.

It was held that the witnesses were unsuccessful in proving the identities of the individuals who attacked Zareer at the café which is usually dimly lit.

While the court found that the evidence to provide Avsham and Mulaim’s involvement in the assault was insufficient, Zareer’s testimony proves Abdulla was not among his attackers.

Moreover, the reports submitted by prosecution failed to sufficiently prove Abdulla’s guilt in the case as well.

Under the Act on Prohibition of Threatening Behaviour and the Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects, assault with weaponry carries a sentence of 10 to 15 years in jail upon conviction.

Aiding and abetting in such a criminal act carries a sentence of seven to 10 years in jail if convicted.