Tue Dec 10 14:48:19 UTC 2024: ## Kerala High Court Reduces Sentence of ISIS-Linked Terror Suspect
**KOCHI, KERALA – December 10, 2024** – The Kerala High Court has reduced the sentence of Riyas Aboobakkar, convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for plotting a terrorist attack. Aboobakkar, originally sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment by an Ernakulam NIA court, will now serve eight years.
The case stems from the 2016 disappearance of 15 youths from Kasaragod, who subsequently joined ISIS in Afghanistan and Syria. Aboobakkar was found guilty of membership and support of a terrorist organization (sections 38 and 39 of the UAPA).
While upholding the conviction, the High Court’s Division Bench, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Jobin Sebastian, acknowledged the accused’s involvement in a criminal conspiracy to further ISIS activities and garner support by migrating to ISIS-controlled territories. The court stated that the reduced sentence served the interests of justice.
First Piper 