After identifying Ibrahim Abdulla (Gabbarey) as his assailant in an attempted murder, MP Hassan Zareer has told the police that he could not be certain and changed his statement.
Following his arrest in connection with Zareer's assault, Gabbarey was released on July 6 when he was brought to the Criminal Court for extension of detention after 30 days in custody.
At a High Court hearing on Tuesday on the state's appeal of his release, Gabbarey's defense lawyer noted that Zareer has retracted his statement.
Questioned by judges, an officer representing the police told the court that Zareer gave statements twice.
He confirmed Gabbarey as the assailant in the first statement but said he was unsure in the second statement.
"When he was summoned for the second time, the statement was changed at his request. When he was first questioned, he identified [Gabbarey]. Later he said he was uncertain," the police officer said.
The judges posed questions about the reason for Zareer changing his statement.
Citing Zareer, the police officer said he did not want to be in danger. Details were not provided at the open hearing.
"He said the reason for changing the statement was that he did not want to be involved any further. That he was in fear at the time. Interview recordings will show that there are such complaints, honorable judge," he said.
He said there were 15 days between the first and second statements. There was such a gap because Zareer could not come to the police station, the officer said.
"It took that many days because he was out of the island and there were matters he needed to further discuss with his lawyer and he also needed to be on other islands for the campaign. The statement was taken on the day that he returned," he said.
The hearing concluded after defense lawyers representing the accused in the case were allowed to speak. The judges did not make a decision on detaining Gabbarey or the other suspects.
The assault
Zareer was attacked inside a cafe in Male' on May 1. Both Gabbarey and Zareer are members of the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) national council. Gabbarey is the president of the Machchangoalhi Dhekunu branch.
Gabbarey, 32, previously faced charges of assault and murder.
He also escaped from custody during medical leave in India. Gabbarey was alleged to have been a gang leader in Male'.
In 2007, Gabbarey confessed during the police investigation to his involvement in the murder of Ali Ishar. He was 16 years old at the time.
Gabbarey was charged with murder over Ishar's killing. But he was acquitted by the juvenile court in 2010.
