The IED fixed cycle was sold to a Thahumeen: Witness

A witness in the case of the bombing attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed has said in court today that he had sold the involved motorcycle to a man called Thahumeen but is unable to recall the buyer's facial features these many years on.

Thahumeen Ahmed is one of the six accused in the case of the attack on Nasheed. The State has accused him of owning the motorcycle that the IED was fixed on, as well as aiding in the bombing itself.

A hearing was held on Wednesday for the court to be presented with witness statements from the prosecution. Three witnesses spoke in court, including the previous owner of the motorcycle the IED was fixed on.

The witness said that he had placed an advertisement to sell his motorcycle on social media, and had received an expression of interest from a man who later came to inspect and buy it. Although he was unable to name a specific date, he said the transaction had taken place around the days of the opening of the Hulhumale' Bridge.

The witness said that the buyer had sent an ID card copy to process the sale of the motorcycle, and that the name on the card was 'Thahumeen'. This is why the witness recalls the buyer's name.

He said that the payment was made on a different day in cash, but said he is unable to confirm whether it was Thahumeen in person who had come to make the payment.

The witness was therefore unable to confirm the motorcycle had been purchased by the accused Thahumeen Ahmed. Thahumeen's lawyer pointed to the accused in the court, and asked the witness if he was able to confirm him as the purchaser of the vehicle.

The witness, however, failed to identify Thahumeen, adding that the person with the cycle had had short hair while Thahumeen now has long hair, and that this prevents him from making an absolute identification. He was only able to confirm that the buyer's name.

Other witnesses in yesterday's hearing were a traffic police officer and an eye witness to the attack.

In addition to Thahumeen, Mujaz Ahmed of Ma. Feyruge, Ali Haisham of Nooreege, N. Manadhoo, Fahmy Ali of Hudhuruvaage, G.A. Villin'gili, Ishaq of M. Kudhehige and Mohamed Nazim of Asareege, A.A. Maalhos are being charged in the case.