A local man who went to Syria to fight alongside the extremist insurgents has returned to Maldives, and is continuing to live in the capital Male, without the state instigating any charges against him, Mihaaru has found out.
According to sources, the man left about a year ago with his wife and child, and returned to the Maldives late last month. Reportedly, he had participated in conflicts and terrorist activities when he was in Syria.
While the law prohibits Maldivian citizens from joining foreign conflicts, no action has been pursued yet against the individual who recently returned from Syria.
Defense Minister Adam Shareef had earlier said that there would be a chance for locals who flee to Syria, to come back to Maldives amicably and that the ministry would arrange their return. However, he also said that they would face charges under Maldives’ Terrorism Act upon their return.
Minister Shareef in January revealed that the number of Maldivians involved in the Syrian conflict had increased from 49 in 2016, to approximately 61 in 2018. However, the police had placed its figure at 180, while relevant international bodies have placed the number of Maldivians in Syria at about 250.
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