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Seven out of eight men prosecuted for allegedly plotting an ISIS-directed bomb attack on Thimarafushi School's laboratory have been freed after serving more time in remand than their imposed sentences.
News Desk
Justice building annex --
MALE : The Criminal Court has concluded the trial of eight men accused of plotting an IED attack on Thimarafushi School, releasing seven defendants due to time served in pre-trial detention.
The high-profile case, originally submitted to court on February 8, 2021, involved charges of planning terrorist acts, attempting to join foreign conflicts, supporting a terrorist organization, and obstructing justice.
While main terrorism and bombing conspiracy charges were not proven, the court convicted three defendants of supporting a terrorist group, two of obstructing justice, and one of attempting to join a foreign war.
The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that all defendants except Ali Arham Mohamed have been released, as their pre-trial detention period exceeded their final prison sentences. State prosecutors noted they will decide whether to appeal the acquittals upon receiving the full court report.
Police previously stated that the suspects acted under instructions from ISIS to build an IED intended to target the school laboratory during a student gathering. The prolonged detention of the defendants while awaiting trial had previously sparked public protests by family members calling to end indefinite remand.
