Category: Crime

Drug kingpin Shafaz appeals conviction at High Court

Convicted drug trafficker Ibrahim Shafaz Abdul Razzak has appealed his drug trafficking charges at the High Court, reports local media.

At the first hearing yesterday, Shafaz’s lawyer argued that the trial at the Criminal Court was conducted in a prejudiced and unfair manner.

The defence attorney, Aminath Shezleen, noted that the verdict did not specify the type of drugs Shafaz was accused of trafficking with reference to the appendix of the Drugs Act.

While the conviction was based on a phone call recording, Shezleen said the audio was submitted as evidence without a chain of custody report from police as required by regulations.

The state attorney, however, defended the validity of the report and noted that both sides were allowed to question experts at the trial concerning the analysis report of the phone recording, adding that Shafaz had not denied that it was his voice in the incriminating audio.

Concluding the hearing, the three-judge panel asked for submission of both the chain of custody report and the recording of the phone conversation.

The judges announced that a second hearing would be held after considering the evidence.

The Criminal Court had sentenced the 30-year-old to 18 years in prison in November 2013 and levied a fine of MVR75,000 (US$4,860) for drug trafficking.

In February, Shafaz was temporarily released for three months to seek medical treatment said to be unavailable in the Maldives.

However, following media reports suggesting the Maldives Correctional Services (MCS) violated procedures in authorising his release, Shafaz was caught in Colombo in May and brought back to the Maldives to serve his sentence.

Shafaz was arrested on June 24, 2011, with 896 grams of heroin from a rented apartment in a building owned by ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives MP Ahmed ‘Redwave’ Saleem.

Former head of the Drug Enforcement Department, Superintendent Mohamed Jinah, told the press at the time that police had raided Henveiru Fashan based on intelligence information gathered in the two-year long ‘Operation Challenge’.

Jinah labeled Shafaz a high-profile drug dealer suspected of smuggling and supplying drugs since 2006.

He claimed that the network had smuggled drugs worth MVR1.3 million (US$84,306) to the Maldives between February and April 2011.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Government to halt dismantling gang huts, says President Yameen

The government has decided to stop dismantling huts in public spaces in Malé that police said are used exclusively by gangs, President Yameen revealed at a turf opening ceremony in Henveiru last night.

The process has been halted “until a solution could be found after studying the whole problem,” Yameen said, adding that the efforts were undertaken with “good intentions”.

“However, we believe that [dismantling huts] alone would not solve the problem,” he said.

The president’s comments came after Home Minister Umar Naseer – speaking at a separate event – had suggested there were around 30 gangs in Malé, describing 13 of these as “dangerous” criminal organisations.

President Yameen said he did not believe criminal activities would occur “every time youth congregate” in a neighbourhood spot.

Turning to “law enforcement” in all cases was not desirable, he continued, suggesting that youth could resolve problems through “constructive engagement”.

After police began dismantling huts in Malé on August 13 – claiming they were used for drug dealing and storing weapons used in assaults – groups of youth on motorbikes protested in the capital calling for the resignation of the home minister.

“Where are our huts?” chanted the youth groups.

Yameen meanwhile suggested that sports pitches, facilities, and tournaments for youth “could go a long way” towards reducing crime and resolving “stress and strain” among rival neighbourhood groups.

The turf ground opened last night was built by the State Trading Organisation for the TC and Kuda Henveiru groups.

Referring to MPs in attendance at the ceremony, Yameen urged politicians to work “as ambassadors” with “positive engagement” to resolve disputes among youth.

Yameen said Youth Minister Maleeh Jamal informed him that 10 futsal pitches would be completed during September.

“So a lot of work is being done to engage youth productively in their free time,” Yameen said.

“Releasing negative energy out of dissatisfaction is not the solution for anything,” he advised, adding that it leads to “bad blood” and “more negative energy”.

Conversely, constructive engagement either through dialogue or sports leaves “everybody better off,” Yameen said.

“I don’t doubt that you will use this facility in the right way and that ambassadors would be created through these sports activities as ‘peace ambassadors’ or ‘engaging ambassadors’ to find some relief for the strain in society,” he said.

“Crime wave”

Meanwhile, speaking at a ceremony held yesterday to mark the 10th anniversary of the Maldives Police Service – which was separated from the military and established as a civilian law enforcement body in 2004 – Home Minister Umar Naseer revealed that police have identified “more than 30 gangs” in the capital with about 50 “gang leaders”.

Of the 30 gangs, 13 were “dangerous” criminal organisations, Naseer said, adding that there were more than 500 members in these groups.

Referring to three fatal stabbings in recent weeks, Naseer said gang violence was “the biggest challenge” facing the police.

Police were the “front line” in a “chain” made up of the Prosecutor General’s Office, courts, and prisons, Naseer said, adding that the National Drug Agency (NDA) was an important link in the chain as street violence was connected to drug use.

“The government has resolved to stop the crime wave in the streets. God willing, in the coming days, we will announce strong measures,” he said.

President Yameen has tasked the home minister with formulating a “broad plan” to tackle gang violence, he revealed.

Naseer said conservative estimates suggested there were at least 10,000 drug users in the Maldives, of which 5,000 were unemployed.

Organised criminal gangs were composed of unemployed drug users, Naseer explained, which carry out assaults and robbery under the guidance of gang leaders.

While cases involving gang members were filed at court, Naseer said that gangs intimidate both judges and eye witnesses to prevent convictions.

“God willing, we are preparing an assault on this whole structure [of criminal gangs], which will come very soon,” he declared.

Four issues needed to be considered ahead of implementing the plan, Naseer suggested, advising a “realignment of our thinking”, with a stricter approach to drug users.

“In my view, all of our institutions should know very clearly that drug use is not a disease but a crime,” Naseer said.

Drug users should be punished harshly instead of being offered treatment, Naseer said, drawing applause from police officers in the audience.

However, he added, offenders would undergo rehabilitation while serving sentences.

“Liberalisation,” “excessive freedom,” and alleged calls for “decriminalisation” from politicians were encouraging youth to use drugs, Naseer argued, which created the impression that drug use was not a crime.

Naseer contended that a soft approach for drug users during the past five years had led to a rise in violent crimes.

“Do we stop this by caressing or through harsh punishment?” he asked.

“We cannot find a solution to the problem of stabbing and murders on the street without stopping drugs.”

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

PG advised release of suspect in Alhan stabbing, claims Criminal Court

The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office saw “no reason” to keep a suspect arrested in connection with the stabbing of former MP Alhan Fahmy in pre-trial detention, the Criminal Court has claimed.

The court explained in a press statement yesterday that it was informed that the case against the two suspects – Mohamed Sameeh of Shiny, Fuvahmulah, and Mohamed Naseem, of Ulfamanzil, Seenu Hithadhoo – had been forwarded for prosecution, and that “the Prosecutor General’s Office had advised that it saw no reason to keep Mohamed Sameeh in further detention.”

Responding to criticism following the release of two suspects in Alhan’s stabbing, the Criminal Court contended that media reports concerning the court-ordered release of the pair were “false”.

“Mohamed Sameeh and Mohamed Naseem were released from custody on August 31, 2014 with conditions,” the court said, noting that the suspects had been held in remand detention for seven months.

Local media had reported that the pair were freed due to delays by the PG’s Office in formally filing charges five months after police concluded the investigation.

The Criminal Court noted that issuing arrest warrants, extending detention of suspects, and releasing suspects with or without conditions was “the arrangement under the Maldivian legal system,” adding that the court’s decisions could be appealed at the High Court.

“We remind that the court does not make decisions after seeking the views of a person or people but according to the rules or procedure specified in law,” the statement read, advising verifying information before reporting.

Asked about the Criminal Court’s contention, a media official at the PG’s Office told Minivan News he would check with the prosecutor on the case, but was not responding at the time of publication.

The media official did, however, say that the case was being expedited. A decision to prosecute would be based on the available evidence, he explained.

“For example, for the two [suspects], there could be a different amount of evidence. So it is likely that something like that might have been [relayed to the court],” he said.

According to local media, one of the suspects – Mohamed Naseem – has been convicted on drug abuse charges and sentenced to three years in prison. Naseem is also reportedly facing charges of sexually abusing a minor.

Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has strongly condemned the release of two suspects.

The MDP noted in a press statement on Sunday (August 31) that the court’s decision was evidently not based on lack of evidence as judges had been granting extension of remand detention since February.

The remand detention must have been approved because the court believed the suspects posed “a danger to society” based on preliminary evidence, the party contended.

The release of suspects in a near-fatal stabbing despite evidence showed that there was “no hope for attaining justice through the Maldivian criminal justice system,” the statement read.

Alhan was stabbed in the back at the Breakwater cafe’ in Malé on the night of February 1.

Following the stabbing, eyewitnesses saw police catch and arrest one of the assailants. Alhan had received stab wounds to the back and was quickly flown to Sri Lanka for spinal surgery.

The former MP for Addu Feydhoo returned to the Maldives in early March, walking with a crutch following initial fears that the wounds may have caused permanent paralysis.

Speaking to Minivan News at the time, a family member alleged that the attack was politically motivated and well organised, claiming that Alhan’s car had been followed three days prior to the incident.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

MDP condemns release of suspects in Alhan stabbing

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has strongly condemned the release of two suspects arrested in connection with the stabbing of the party’s former MP Alhan Fahmy.

The Criminal Court yesterday ordered the release of the two suspects – Mohamed Sameeh of Shiny, Fuvahmulah, and Mohamed Naseem, of Ulfamanzil, Hithadhoo – who had been kept in pre-trial detention since their arrest on the night of February 1 shortly after Alhan was stabbed in the back at the Breakwater cafe’ in Malé.

The court freed the pair from custody reportedly due to delays by the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office in formally filing charges.

Police told local media that one of the suspects was released following the court order. The second suspect was still in custody as he was serving a sentence in an unrelated case.

In a press statement released yesterday, the MDP noted that the court’s decision was evidently not based on lack of evidence as judges had been granting extension of remand detention since February.

The remand detention must have been approved because the court believed the suspects posed “a danger to society” based on preliminary evidence, the party contended.

The release of suspects in a near-fatal stabbing despite evidence showed that there was “no hope for attaining justice through the Maldivian criminal justice system,” the statement read.

The party also noted that numerous and persistent death threats to MDP MPs had not been properly investigated.

“And we note with concern that the relevant authorities have so far been unable to find Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan, who is believed to have been abducted,” it added.

The party accused the government of negligence in ensuring public safety following multiple stabbing incidents and escalating gang violence.

“The party calls on all relevant state institutions to fully investigate the dangerous murder attempt on Alhan Fahmy and punish the perpetrators,” the press release stated.

Following the stabbing, eyewitnesses saw police catch and arrest one of the assailants. Alhan had received stab wounds to the back and was quickly flown to Sri Lanka for spinal surgery.

The former MP for Addu Feydhoo returned to the Maldives in early March, walking with a crutch following initial fears that the wounds may have caused permanent paralysis.

Speaking to Minivan News at the time, a family member alleged that the attack was politically motivated and well organised, claiming that Alhan’s car had been followed three days prior to the incident.

Last year, Secretary General of the IPU, Anders B. Johnsson wrote to former Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdulla Shahid requesting an urgent visit to the Maldives to discuss steps to ensure MPs “can do their work unhindered, without fear of intimidation and harassment or attack on their physical integrity.”

Alhan’s name appeared on an IPU list of 21 Maldivian MPs being monitored by the group. The list included Progressive Party of Maldives MP Dr Afrasheem Ali who was murdered in October 2012.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Stabbing victim Aseel dies from injuries

Stabbing victim Ahmed Aseel – 19-years-old – attacked in Malé last week, has died as a result of his injuries.

It was reported on Thursday that doctors had removed his right leg in an attempt to save his life after he was stabbed six times, though family members had said he remained on a ventilator in the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

Aseel was attacked near Iskandhar School in the Machangolhi ward of the the capital on August 23 along with two others – aged 20 and 13-years-old – whose injuries were not critical.

Eyewitnesses said a group of masked men stabbed the two men in the back and struck the minor on the head before fleeing on motorbikes.

Aseel’s death marks the third stabbing fatality in the country in the past month. An incident in Kaafu Thulusdhoo – reported to have been the result of a personal quarrel – was soon followed by a spate spate of violent assaults in Malé earlier this month.

These attacks also saw 18-year-old Mohamed Mazin, from Dhiggaamaage in Noonu Miladhoo, fatally stabbed on August 2. Police intelligence later suggested the assaults were gang reprisals sparked by “a disturbance between two groups.”

Police have confiscated a number of weapons from areas where gangs congregate, including the Henveiru Park area where Mazin was attacked, as well as making a number of arrests in relation to the various attacks.

A resident of the area in Aseel was attacked told Minivan News that two knives and an axe were found near the staircase of their house after the attacks.

The weapons appeared to be unused and were taken as evidence by the police, who are today reported by local media to have arrested two 18-year-olds in connection with the case.

On August 13, police began dismantling huts and clearing out makeshift dens in open spaces in the capital used exclusively by gangs.

Fifteen journalists reported receiving death threats in relation to their outlets’ coverage of the capital’s notorious gang problems.

Broadcasting authorities have noted significant media intimidation from gangs, while local media recently released a joint statement calling upon authorities to take action.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Passports of four men held in connection with Rilwan abduction

Minivan News understands that the Maldives Police Service (MPS) has requested immigration services withhold the passports of four individuals in relation to the disappearance of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan.

The news marks the first confirmation of progress in the search for the 28-year-old, missing for 19 days. The case is widely regarded as being the most complicated investigation ever faced by the service.

Further details of the police’s investigation have not been made public, although local news outlet Raajje.mv has reported the men under suspicion to be aged between 20 and 25-years-old. Two are reported to be from Gaaf Alifu Thinadhoo, one from Fuvahmulah, and a fourth man from Malé.

Immigration officials were not able to comment on these reports at the time of publication.

Rilwan was last seen on the 1am ferry to Hulhumalé on August 8, shortly before a man fitting his description was seen being forced into a vehicle directly outside Rilwan’s apartment.

Local media are also reporting that a vehicle was taken into police custody last week in relation to the incident.

Minivan News observed several men acting suspiciously in the Malé ferry terminal at the time of Rilwan’s appearance on CCTV footage at 12:44am, August 8.

With public criticism of the police’s investigation growing, the MPS has publicly accused both the family and media outlets of hindering its search efforts.

The family has offered a reward for information leading to the finding of Rilwan, with the figure raised to MVR200,000 yesterday.

Earlier this week, Rilwan’s mother gave an impassioned plea during a demonstration outside the People’s Majlis following the presentation of a letter urging MP’s help in the search.

“Please don’t do this. Help us. Please. I don’t know where he is. I do not know if he is alive. I do not know if he is dead,” Aminath Easa, 67-years-old, begged authorities.

With three days left before the parliament goes into recess, the Majlis has yet to take firm action on the journalist’s unprecedented disappearance, despite the issue being lodged in three separate committees.

After an urgent motion from Maldivian Democratic Party MP Imthiyaz Fahmy was resoundingly approved last week, with MPs subsequently calling for a speedy investigation.

MDP MP Ibrahim Shareef said he did not believe that lack of progress in investigating either the death threats or Rilwan’s disappearance was “a coincidence.”

MP Inthi himself reported receiving a death threat immediately after submitting the motion yesterday, while members of Rilwan’s family have reported intimidation while conducting their own search efforts.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Communications Authority working to identify senders of SMS threats

Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM) Chief Executive Officer Ilyas Ahmed has stated that there is a possibility that persons who send threats via text messages can be identified.

In relation to a recent spate of threatening text messages sent to parliamentarians, journalists, and other individuals, Ilyas stated that the authority is currently investigating the matter to see if the threats were sent via phones or computer software.

“As you know, there are a multitude of mediums via which text messages can be sent now. The ease in which the senders can be identified depends on what medium they have used,” said Ilyas.

Ilyas’ comments come as both journalists and politicians have continued to receive SMS threats in recent weeks, prompting calls for greater state action in finding those responsible.

The CAM CEO explained that if threats are sent via local networks, the perpetrators can be easily identified, while those using foreign networks and computer software will be harder to trace.

“We are monitoring them to see if the messages are sent from a local number. If not, we are also looking into what external network they are utilising,” he said.

He went on to assure that, even in such circumstances, there is a possibility of identifying them if the messages are being sent from within the country.

Ilyas stated that the authority will take action against those sending such messages, adding that it is currently liaising with a number of foreign authorities to find ways to take action in the matter.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed yesterday (August 25) met with local telecom operators Ooredoo, asking for assistance in the authority’s investigation of text message threats.

In addition to this, discussions were also held on how the telecom company can assist the police in the expansion of CCTV coverage and other programmes.

Police media official assured that the police will also be contacting the country’s other telecom operator, Dhiraagu, for assistance in the near future.

Marketing and public relations officials from Ooredoo and Dhiraagu were unable to provide comment at the time of publication.

Continuing threats

Vnews editor Adam Haleem was the latest to receive a death threat on Sunday evening, as did Minivan 97 journalist Aishath Aniya last week, while opposition MP Mariya Didi has also made public a recent threat against both her and her family.

Numerous politicians and journalists reported receiving threats earlier this month, with the latter being linked to gang activity, respectively. The threats against journalists were reported by Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan, who disappeared on August 8 and is believed abducted.

Following the disappearance of Rilwan’s – known by many as moyameehaa on twitter – the threats sent to politicians and journalists have made clear references to his abduction.

On August 20, Maldivian Democratic Party MP Mariya Didi reported receiving a threat saying, “we will not hesitate to disappear you. Have you forgotten you have a small daughter?”

The same day, journalist Aniya received a message from a sender identified as ‘ISIS’ stating, “You are next on our hit list. Be careful when you walk alone. #fuckmoyameehaa”.

On August 25th, Vnews Editor Adam Haleem received a death threat saying, “If you keep behaving however you like, we will make you disappear, we will behead you. Keep that in mind [expletive]”.

The message was received just days after all media outlets gathered to call for an end to the culture of intimidation, after Rilwan’s abduction. The unprecedented joint statement also called for delays in bringing those responsible to justice.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has also released a statement today expressing concern over the increasing number of threatening text messages being sent to journalists.

The statement also highlighted the number of days in which Minivan News journalist Rilwan remains missing, calling on authorities to expedite the case. The MJA further appeals to the authorities to provide timely updates to the media regarding any progress in the investigation.

“Any attack against journalists is nothing but an attempt to eradicate independent journalism. We call on investigating authorities to treat such cases with high priority and to speedily conclude investigations into such matters,” the statement concluded.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Two men and minor stabbed in Malé

Two men and a minor were assaulted and stabbed in Malé around 8:50pm last night in the Dhidhi Goalhi in front of Iskandhar School.

According to police, a 19-year-old, a 20-year-old, and a 13-year-old were injured in the assault and taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for treatment.

Local media has identified two of the victims as Abdulla Majid, 20, from Azum in Kaafu Guraidhoo, and Aseel Ahmed, 19, from Blueniaage in Thaa Thimarafushi.

Eyewitnesses said a group of masked men stabbed the two men in the back and struck the minor on the head before fleeing on motorbikes.

While one of the victims reportedly lost consciousness and fell to the ground, the other two escaped into a nearby house.

Of the three, Aseel’s condition was reported to be critical. He was immediately taken into the operating theatre at IGMH.

IGMH Media Official Zeenath Ali Habeeb told Minivan News today that the victim’s condition was “serious.” He has regained consciousness after undergoing major surgery, but remains sedated at the intensive care unit (ICU).

Police are meanwhile searching for suspects and no arrests have been made as of the time of press. The case is under investigation by the serious and organised crime department.

A resident of the area told Minivan News that two knives and an axe were found near the staircase of their house after the attacks.

The weapons appeared to be unused and were taken as evidence by the police, who had cordoned off the road.

Residents of the house believe they were stored by the gang for use in the assaults.

Shortly before the incident, a young man had attempted to retrieve the weapons, but found the gate of the house was closed. He had asked a resident to be let in but was refused.

Following a spate of violent assaults in Malé earlier this month – which saw an 18-year-old fatally stabbed – Chief Inspector Abdulla Satheeth told the press that police intelligence suggested the assaults were gang reprisals sparked by “a disturbance between two groups.”

Chief Inspector Ismail Naveen meanwhile told reporters that police have confiscated a number of weapons from areas where gangs congregate, including the Henveiru Park, the park on Alifkilegefaanu Magu, and the open area near the State Trading Organisation’s main office.

On August 13, police began dismantling huts and clearing out makeshift dens in open spaces in the capital used exclusively by gangs.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Rilwan’s abduction is a threat to all, says Maldives media

Maldivian journalists have expressed grave concern over the disappearance of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla and called for an end to intimidation of the press.

In an unprecedented joint statement on Saturday, media outlets expressed solidarity and said Rilwan’s abduction is threat to all of Maldives.

“Abduction and disappearance of individuals do not stop with journalists. This is a threat to every individual, every family and all of the Maldives,” the statement read.

Efforts have been made by various parties to silence the press, including assault, murder attempts, vandalism of property and torching of TV stations, the statement noted.

“Now, a journalist has disappeared without a trace. Information we have gathered so far strongly suggests Rilwan was abducted,” it said.

The statement comes after several journalists from various media organisations spoke with eyewitnesses in Hulhumalé who claimed to have seen a man being forced into a car at knifepoint on the night of Rilwan’s disappearance.

Today is the 15th day since Rilwan is believed to have gone missing.

Both print and broadcast media signed the statement. They include Minivan News, Haveeru, Sun, CNM, Vaguthu, Dhuvas, Raajje TV, DhiTV, VTV, DhiFM, Channel One and Jazeera TV.

Media groups noted the state has failed to take adequate action against those who intimidate the press.

“As intimidation of press grows, and attacks against journalists, equipment, and buildings continue, we are extremely concerned over the delays in bringing to justice those who commit these acts. We note that the investigation of Rilwan’s case is slow and that information has not been adequately shared with the media and the public,” the statement said.

No one has been prosecuted for the October torching of Raajje TV, while two years have passed since charges were pressed against two individuals suspected of assaulting Raajje TV journalist Ibrahim ‘Asward’ Waheed.

The state’s failure to end press intimidation allows extremism of all forms to grow stronger, the statement added.

The Maldives Police Services have pledged to treat Rilwan’s disappearance as a “top priority case” and said the army is now assisting the police in their search. Police have failed to reveal details of the investigation.

In a May report, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission said 84 percent of reporters in the Maldives have reported being threatened at least once, often by political parties, gangs and religious extremists.

Media groups today urged the state to make the relevant policies to ensure the right to live and work without fear is enjoyed by all Maldivians.

“Even though different media outlets have different editorial policies, we, all journalists, are one family,” the statement said.

Pledging to do all necessary to secure freedom of the press, media groups said: “And though we continue to face dangers from radical and extremist groups, this is not a danger we alone face. We will not step back, or put down our pens, or silence our tongues or hold our thoughts in the face of such threats.”

Expressing gratitude for the solidarity, Minivan News Managing Editor Daniel Bosley said: “We, as journalists, are a community which rightly includes differing political opinions – and even different nationalities. But we have to send a message that we are one community nevertheless, and I strongly believe that this statement does that.”

Media groups have set up a committee to pressure the state to expedite investigations into Rilwan’s disappearance and end intimidation of the press. Planned activities include meetings with stakeholders on Rilwan’s disappearance, increased coverage and talk shows about the threats against media.

International groups, including the Office for the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHR) and Reporters Without Borders have called for a speedy and thorough investigation.

The OCHR has urged the relevant authorities to address threats and intimidation of the press, while the International Federation of Journalists said the government must determine the circumstances of his disappearance as a “matter of urgency.”

The New York based Committee to Protect Journalists urged the authorities “to leave no stone unturned” in their efforts to find him.

Meanwhile, Rilwan’s family have offered a reward of MVR50,000 (US$3,240) for information leading to his successful return.

Read the full statement here

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)