Suspect in attack on MP Zareer re-arrested

Ibrahim 'Gabbarey' Abdulla, who was arrested and later released in connection with the attack to assassinate MP Hassan Zareer, has been re-arrested.

The High Court on Sunday quashed the Criminal Court's order to release Ibrahim Abdulla and two others in connection with the attack on Zareer.

Atoll Times has learned that Ibrahim Abdulla has been arrested again and is currently in police custody. Details are yet to be released.

Zareer was attacked by a group of five men on the morning of May 1 while he was sitting with friends inside a cafe in the city. Zareer was hit in the head with a hammer in the attack, police said, and the assailant was charged with attempted murder.

Ibrahim Abdulla and two others have previously been arrested in several cases of fighting, murder and robbery. 

Setting aside the release order of Ibrahim Abdulla and the other two accused in the case, the High Court on Sunday said that if the prosecutor general's office or the police approach the lower court within seven days to re-detain them till the completion of the investigation and trial process, the order should be issued.

The High Court order said that the courts should not release dangerous criminals on their own initiative. Due to the lengthy investigation process, even if such a person applies for release pending the completion of the investigation, such person can be released only after considering the required considerations within the framework of the law, the High Court ruled.

Ibrahim Abdulla stabbed Ali Ishaar, H. Kubra/Male in 2007 and confessed his involvement in the murder. Ibrahim, who was not 18 at the time, was charged in the case but the court released him on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence.