The mastermind behind the attack on the Maldives on 3 November 1988, Abdulla Luthfee (Haajaraage, Male'), has admitted to escaping while service the 25-year sentence and has requested the shortest possible sentence for it.

Despite being given the chance to appoint legal representation in the trial against him for escaping when allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment while serving a prison sentence, at the the hearing today, Luthfee said that he wants to proceed with legal representation.

At the hearing held online, Luthfee initially said that he cannot admit to the charge since it says he "escaped from a detention center" and he left the country for medical treatment with the permission of the state.

However, he later admitted to the charge stating that he would receive a greater sentence if he does not admit to it. And declared he was innocent and he went to the Maldivian Embassy in Sri Lanka on his own accord because he wanted to serve out the rest of his sentence.

The Presiding Judge said that with the admission of guilt, the trial is going to become a swift decision trial and anothet hearing will be set within five days.