Charges over 2022 Yoga Day clash submitted for review
Adam Nishan and Fazloon bin Mohamed were arrested and charged with encouraging an act of terrorism following the incident on 21 June 2022.
The suspects charged in connection with the 2022 International Yoga Day clashes have requested the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) to review the charges filed against them.
Adam Nishan and Fazloon bin Mohamed were arrested and charged with encouraging an act of terrorism following the incident on 21 June 2022. Both individuals have since been released from custody.
The request for review was submitted under a provision introduced when Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef assumed office. This provision allows for earlier decisions of the Prosecutor General’s Office to be reconsidered. The charges against Nishan and Fazloon were submitted for review within 20 days of this provision taking effect.
At a hearing held at the Criminal Court Sunday, defence lawyer Ali Saeed stated that the PGO has not yet responded to the review request. He asked the court to postpone the trial until a decision is made. The prosecution did not object to the request for adjournment.
Presiding Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad asked the prosecution to provide a timeline for the decision. The prosecution responded that a decision could be expected within a week, citing the volume of documents involved as the reason for the delay.
Additional individuals have also been charged in relation to the incident, including current Vilimalé MP Mohamed Ismail. It is understood that the charges against these individuals have also been submitted for review.
The previous administration revoked the religious advisory permits of Nishan and Fazloon. The decision was taken in March 2024 after the current government came into power.
Incident Summary:
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The incident occurred during an event to mark International Yoga Day at the national stadium.
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A group of protesters attempted to enter the stadium while shouting slogans.
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Police erected barricades to prevent entry, resulting in clashes.
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The group forcefully entered the stadium, confronted individuals participating in the yoga session, and demanded that they leave.
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The event was attended by foreign ambassadors and diplomats.
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The standoff lasted approximately 40 minutes before police dispersed the protesters using tear gas and force.
