The trial has commenced for five individuals accused of kidnapping a man in Male' city and severing his finger.
The prosecution has charged the men with kidnapping and assault with a sharp object resulting in dismemberment, among other charges.
The victim in the case was a co-worker of several of the accused, some of whom are soldiers. While the defendants initially claimed the dismemberment was accidental, occurring during the use of a power tool, revelations during Thursday's hearing suggest the men committed atrocities.
The charged individuals are:
Ahmed Zayan / Link, L. Gan
Mohamed Naushan Hussain / Uthuruge-aage, Th. Thimarafushi
Ali Sami / Mehuraa, R. Kandholhudhoo
Mohamed Nafah / Full Moon, K. Maafushi
Ahmed Saaif Waheed / Hudhuveli, G.Dh. Gaddhoo
Some of the accused remain in custody pending trial. Additional charges include failing to provide assistance to a person in need without reasonable cause.
During the hearing, one defendant presented his girlfriend as an alibi witness. Some defendants requested the victim's testimony be heard first. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The judge announced that the prosecution would present witnesses at the next hearing.