Ali Manik Sentenced to Five Years in Jail for Role in Nasheed’s Assassination Attempt

In a verdict delivered today, Abdullah Ali Manik, Bahaaruge, HA. Molhadhoo, has been sentenced to five years in prison in connection with the assassination attempt on former President Mohamed Nasheed that occurred on May 6, 2021.

Ali Manik was apprehended by authorities on May 18, 2021, in relation to the bombing incident. The prosecution’s case centered on charging Ali Manik with supporting the terrorist group ISIS in connection with the assassination attempt on President Nasheed, and he appeared in court alongside the prosecution. Notably, the court acquitted Mohamed Thasleem of all charges.

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Law enforcement officials had previously identified Ali Manik as a prominent extremist figure in the Maldives, alleging his involvement in assisting the bomber’s escape. Additionally, Thasleem had advocated for the declaration of Nasheed as an apostate and had called for his assassination.

During the proceedings held today, the presiding judge emphasised that the law stipulates specific types of evidence required to substantiate such charges, with a minimum of four types of evidence mandated. 

In Thasleem’s case, he was found not guilty due to the absence of at least four types of supporting evidence. The judge pointed out that the sole evidence against Thasleem comprised a police intelligence report and the testimonies of two confidential witnesses, amounting to only two types of evidence.