High Court overturns release of terrorism-linked Hood
Hood was initially released on bail by the Criminal Court after he requested a review of his detention.
High Court on Monday quashed a Criminal Court order that granted bail to Hood Mohamed Zahir, who is accused of leading Islamic State (IS) media campaigns in the Maldives.
Hood was initially released on bail by the Criminal Court after he requested a review of his detention. He had been granted release on two separate occasions: from October 16 to December 15, and later from December 15 to February 12, following a request for an extension of the bail period.
The prosecution appealed the release order, arguing that it violated the procedures outlined in the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The High Court ruled in favor of the appeal on Monday, stating that the Criminal Court had improperly applied the Criminal Procedure Code instead of the procedures mandated under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The High Court outlined the following reasons for its decision:
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The Criminal Court relied on the Criminal Procedure Code, which is not applicable in cases involving the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
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Hood’s charges fall under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which includes specific procedures for reviewing the custody of detained individuals.
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The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has the authority to seek a review of detention for individuals charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The High Court’s ruling was unanimous.
Hood has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include:
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Encouraging acts of terrorism through the internet
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Disseminating materials of a terrorist organisation through the internet
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Membership in a terrorist organisation
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Providing support to a terrorist organisation
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Possession of materials indicating support for a terrorist organisation
