MNDF’s former Colonel Mohamed Ziyaadh’s trial، over terrorism charges، due to arresting Criminal Court’s Chief Justice Abdulla Mohamed in 2012، has been scheduled for 14:00hrs today.
Today’s hearing will consist of evidence presentations and witness testimonials of Ziyaadh’s trial.
Mohamed Ziyaadh has confessed during the last hearing of his trial، that Commander of Male’ area Brigadier General (retired) Ibrahim Mohamed Didi acted under the direct of order of then President، Mohamed Nasheed to deliver orders to security forces for Abdullah Mohamed’s arrest.
The former Colonel has denied the terrorism charges claimed by prosecution.
In rebuttal، Court had stated that Ziyaadh’s trial is proceeding post investigations by Police and Human Rights Commission. Adding، Ziyaadh is convicted for kidnapping an individual under 2nd Article، section b. (“shaviyani”) of Prevention of Terrorism Act of Maldives.
Also، Court had said that whether it is direct involvement or conspiring an act of terrorism، it will be treated in an equal fashion.
Following this، Ziyaadh’s defence had stated Abdullah Mohamed’s arrest orders came from a higher hierarchical level، under the pretext of the the arrested subject being a national threat. He also notified that he was following orders passed to him by his superiors and he does not have authoritative power of following orders of his own.
Prosecution had presented evidence following Ziyaadh’s denial to the charges pressed against him.
The evidence includes، witness testimonials from Lieutenant Colonel Nasrullah Ibrahim Majdhee، Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ali Shaahid Mohamed، 1st Lieutenant Ali Ihsaan، Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Majeedh Ibrahim، 1st Lieutenant Ibrahim Naseem، Colonel Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Latheef، Major General Ibrahim Rasheed and Warrant Officer Aishath Zeena.
Defence also presented evidence regarding the case. The evidences include، witness testimonials from Brigadier General Abdullah Shaamaal، Captain Abdul Mueez Mustafa، Sergeant 1st Class Abdullah Shareef and Captain Hussain Riyaz.