PG withdraws charges against MP, scholars in 2022 yoga day clashes

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has decided to withdraw charges filed against sitting People’s National Congress (PNC) Member of Parliament Mohamed Ismail and religious scholars Adam Nishan and Fazlun bin Mohammed, in relation to the 2022 International Yoga Day clashes near the Galolhu Football Stadium.

Fazlun and Nishan were previously charged with encouraging an act of terrorism, while MP Ismail was accused of religious and political plotting and charged under terrorism-related laws. The case stemmed from the incident on 21 June 2022, when a group disrupted the Yoga Day event organised by the Indian High Commission and local authorities.

The PGO announced that it has reviewed a motion submitted by the accused seeking reconsideration of the charges. Following the review, it has decided to proceed only against those with direct evidence of involvement in attacking participants or inciting fear at the event.

The office cited several reasons for discontinuing the charges, including the emotional context surrounding the event, the prolonged delay in bringing the case to trial, and the absence of criminal history among the accused. It also noted the defendants’ social roles and concluded that prosecution under the Prohibition of Terrorism Act and the Prohibition of Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects Act would not proceed.

Charges will continue against seven individuals alleged to have directly obstructed law enforcement and committed violent acts at the event. They are:

According to the initial charges, Nishan and Fazlun were alleged to have led the protest that breached police lines, entered a restricted area, and damaged state property. The charges also included claims of assault against government officials, diplomats, and representatives of international organisations.

Mohamed Ismail, who was then chair of the PPM-PNC Action Committee, was arrested on 22 June 2022 but released shortly after. He was accused of organising the rally and distributing flags. The PNC at the time denied his involvement and described the charges as politically motivated.

Following the investigation, Nishan and Fazlun’s permissions to deliver religious sermons were suspended. These restrictions have since been lifted by the current administration.