3 charged over terror plot in Malé, nearby islands

Three individuals have been charged with planning a terrorist attack in Malé and nearby islands, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO).

The suspects were arrested during a joint counter-terrorism operation conducted by the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in Malé and Hulhumalé during Ramadan earlier this year.

The operation took place on 10 March, and the charges were formally filed in the Criminal Court on 7 July.

According to the PGO, intelligence gathered during the investigation indicated that the suspects had planned a terrorist attack in Malé and surrounding areas. Two men and a woman have been charged with offences related to supporting the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation.

Conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism, carrying a prison term of 17 to 20 years.

Possession of documents indicating support for a terrorist organisation, carrying a sentence of one to three years.

Attempting to send a person to war, carrying a sentence of 10 to 15 years.

Conspiracy to go to war, with a penalty of five to seven years in prison.

Possession of documents indicating support for a terrorist organisation, with a sentence of one to three years.

Wisam has been charged with possession of documents indicating support for a terrorist organisation, which carries a sentence of one to three years.

The case has been filed in the Criminal Court, and proceedings are expected to begin soon.