Prosecutors blame Sheikh Imran for May Day clashes
At today’s hearing of the Adhaalath Party leader’s terrorism trial, the state prosecutor said Imran was the leading figure of the May Day rally, but had done nothing to prevent the clashes, noting that the 2013 freedom of assembly law states that protest organisers must take responsibility if they fail to prevent violence.
18 Jan 2016, 9:00 AM
Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla must bear responsibility for violent clashes between protesters and police officers during a mass anti-government demonstration on May 1 last year, state prosecutors contended today.
At today’s hearing of Imran’s terrorism trial, the prosecutor said Imran was the leading figure of the May Day rally, but had done nothing to prevent the clashes.
The 2013 freedom of assembly law states that protest organisers must take responsibility if they fail to prevent violence, the prosecutor noted.
Imran is accused of inciting violence in his speech at the 20,000-strong May Day rally. He was charged under article two of the 1990 Anti-Terrorism Act, which states that promoting fear amongst the public or causing destruction of property are acts of terrorism.
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