Retrial Commences in Two Decade-Old Murder Cases

The Criminal Court has reopened the trial of three individuals acquitted in the 2012 murder of Ahmed Aruham, a 14-year-old student fatally stabbed in Lorenzo Park, Malé. The case, linked to an alleged gang feud, resurfaces after a High Court directive for retrial.

Aruham, a student at Dharumavantha School, was killed with a sharp object in June 2012 while sleeping in the park, located near the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM). Police investigations suggested the attack stemmed from a revenge dispute between two groups.

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The prosecution initially charged Mohamed Visaam and Mansoor Yoosuf from Maavah, Laamu Atoll, Mohamed Sufyaan from Gahdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and Athif Rasheed from Malé. Visaam was convicted and sentenced to capital punishment, while the remaining three were acquitted. However, the High Court ruled last year that the acquittals were inadequately justified, ordering a retrial.

During the hearing held yesterday, only Athif Rasheed appeared before Judge Ibrahim Zihunee. The court allowed Rasheed to appoint legal counsel and set administrative arrangements for the remaining accused.

The High Court had criticised the Criminal Court’s initial acquittal, stating it had failed to adequately address evidence presented during the trial. The appellate court emphasised its authority to mandate retrials when procedural or evidential errors are identified.

In a related development, two individuals implicated in the case were not charged due to insufficient evidence.

Long-Delayed Retrial in 2006 Gaafu Alifu Maamendhoo Murder

Separately, the Criminal Court has commenced a third trial in the 2006 murder of Mohamed Shihab, 18 years after the incident. The case involves Mohamed Shifraz and Ali Masood Saeed, who were sentenced to capital punishment in 2008. Their convictions were overturned by the High Court, which ordered a retrial in 2019.

The prosecution alleges that Shifraz and Masood fatally attacked Shihab with a wooden plank while he was fetching water in Gaafu Alifu Maamendhoo after a sea cucumber fishing trip. Shihab, who was 20 years old at the time, succumbed to injuries three days later, suffering a fractured skull, brain haemorrhage, and multiple broken bones.

In 2019, the Criminal Court dismissed the retrial at the preliminary stage, a decision that was appealed by the prosecution. The High Court subsequently ruled in 2022 that the dismissal contravened its earlier directive, ordering a full retrial.

During yesterday’s proceedings, Judge Ibrahim Zihunee reiterated the need to expedite the trial, citing the prolonged duration of the case. The prosecution presented evidence, including witness accounts of the accused attacking Shihab. They argued that the trial should focus on the attack itself rather than identifying the precise cause of death, as multiple individuals were reportedly involved.

Both cases reflect the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to address long-standing unresolved murder trials and ensure judicial accountability.