Charges dropped against three in 2022 yoga event clashes

Prosecutor General’s Office has withdrawn terrorism-related charges against several individuals previously accused of disrupting a yoga event held at Male' Galolhu Stadium in 2022.

Eighteen individuals were originally charged in connection with the violent disruption of the Yoga Day event, including current PNC MP for Vilimale' Mohamed Ismail, and religious scholars Sheikh Fazloon Mohamed and Sheikh Adam Nishan. The charges included terrorism and incitement to commit acts of terror.

Following a review initiated under new Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef, the state has opted not to pursue charges against those without direct evidence of involvement in violence or incitement during the incident. The move comes after several of the accused requested for their charges to be reviewed.

As a result, charges have been withdrawn against Mohamed Ismail, Sheikh Fazloon, and Sheikh Nishan. The case will now proceed only against seven individuals, who face lesser charges of intentionally obstructing law enforcement officers. The accused are:

- Abdulla Rifau (Thaa Thimarafushi, Narugisvilla)

- Aboobakuru Faariu (Noonu Miladhoo, Carnationmaage)

- Ahmed Aksam (R. Kandholhudhoo, Alamaage)

- Ahmed Nasooh (GA. Maamendhoo, Asrafee Villa)

- Hassan Shifaz (Maafannu Kudhehige)

- Shabim Adam (F. Dhanburudhoo, Aabaadheegulshan)

- Mohamed Zilian (Machangolhi Kanuhuraa)

Prosecutor General’s Office said the review considered multiple factors, including the absence of a criminal record among the defendants, their role in society, and the fact that the case had remained inactive in court for an extended period. It also noted that the actions stemmed from emotional responses to the yoga event rather than deliberate acts of violence.

Sheikh Fazloon and Sheikh Nishan had previously faced sanctions, including suspension of their licenses to provide religious guidance following their arrests. These restrictions have since been lifted under the current administration.