Threats to 'cut up' police deemed unproven as Criminal Court acquits PPM supporter

A PPM activist has been found not guilty of threatening to “chop” police officers during an interview broadcast on Channel 13, after the Criminal Court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegation.

The man was charged with intimidation for allegedly threatening to physically harm police officers, using a local idiom meaning to “cut someone into pieces,” during his interview on Channel 13. He had previously been arrested in connection with the case.

The incident took place in February 2021, during the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Police alleged that the individual referred to specific officers during the live interview and threatened to “cut them up.” He was arrested under a court order.

The case was filed in court in April 2021.

In August this year, five years after the case remained pending, the Criminal Court ruled that the charges were not proven beyond reasonable doubt. The judgment was delivered by Judge Ibrahim Ihusaan.

According to the outcome report, Abdul Samad pleaded not guilty. He said he had not made any remarks intended to harm, intimidate or threaten police officers.

He further stated that his comments in the Channel 13 interview referred to taking legal action against police officers who provide false testimony, and that such officers could be punished under the law.