Terror suspect rearrested less than 24hrs after release

Maldives Police Services has rearrested a man based on new evidence, less than 24 hours after the High Court released him.

The suspect was initially arrested for plotting to use an explosive device in Addu city.

Fourteen people were arrested in the counter-terrorism operation carried out by security forces on November 11, 2022, in Malé and Addu city, as well as Kaafu atoll Gauraidhoo. The police alleged they were planning a dangerous terrorist attack.

The Criminal Court ordered Mohamed Gais, 30, from Maradhoo-Feydhoo, to be remanded until the end of his trial citing the potential threat to the safety of the community. He appealed the decision in the High Court, which ruled in his favour on Sunday, resulting in his release from custody.

When Gais was brought to the court for a decision on his custody, his residence was searched and certain items related to the case were seized.

According to the police, a report on the items seized could not be submitted to the court as they had not yet been analysed.

The main reason for the High Court's decision to release him was that the police had not presented any evidence against him except for an an intelligence report with no additional supporting evidence.

Gais was rearrested hours after his release under a Criminal Court order and remanded in custody pending trial, .

The police have previously foiled and prevented terrorist attacks and filed charges on many occasions.

In addition, those alleged of the attempted assassination of Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed in a bomb blast in 2021 have also been arrested and are being tried.