The prosecution had requested the suspects remain in custody until trial. However, the court released them on conditional bail, citing a lack of evidence submitted during the detention period.
Four men arrested for allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting the owner have been released from custody after the Criminal Court ruled there was insufficient evidence to continue holding them.
The incident took place around a month ago in Galolhu, Male'. A video circulated on social media appeared to show the house owner being threatened and assaulted.
The suspects were initially remanded in custody for 15 days, with their detention extended twice during the investigation. They were brought before the court on Monday as their remand period came to an end.
The four arrested in the case are:
1. Ali Nawaf, 21, Fazaa, Th. Guraidhoo
2. Mohamed Azaan, 23, Haveyli, N. Manadhoo
3. Ibrahim Ahunaf, 21, Elas, N. Velidhoo
4. Mohamed Aflah, 23, Reethi Hiyaa, AA. Maalhos
The prosecution had requested the suspects remain in custody until trial. However, the court released them on conditional bail, citing a lack of evidence submitted during the detention period.
They told the court that the apartment they entered was rented by a friend of theirs by the name of 'Athoof'. Although they claimed that they have documentation to prove 'Athoof' was renting the apartment, Police have said that no such documents have been received.
Police, however, said in court that the landlord has said that the apartment in question was rented out to 'Ali Shiman Rasheed'. The landlord stated that he had signed the lease agreement with Shiman under duress, after being threatened, Police said.
The four said in court that they had gone to the apartment to clean it, as they had been paid to do so by Athoof. They denied having caused any damage to the premises, or being involved in any assault or violence there.
A video showing the assault on the house owner circulated in social media.
The victim's mouth was taped over, and he was subjected to cigarette burns as one of the men held him. Another man is seen about to hit him with a large stapler.
It is so far unclear what led to the assault.
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