Verdict looms in Rilwan abduction trial

Alif Rauf and Mohamed Nooradeen are accused of forcing Rilwan into a car at knife-point outside his apartment building in Hulhumalé in August 2014. Both were arrested in April 2016, but were freed two months later.

After nearly two years of denying any link between Rilwan’s disappearance and an abduction reported outside his building, police said in April 2016 that he was indeed forced into a car at knife-point.

Judge Adam Arif said he would schedule the verdict hearing within five days if possible. According to the Criminal Procedures Act the verdict hearing has to be held, at the latest, within 10 days of closing arguments.