State appeals acquittal of suspect in 2017 murder outside Hulhumale’ halfway house

The state has appealed the acquittal of the suspect in the stabbing death of a young man outside the halfway house in suburban Hulhumale’ with the High Court.

Haris Abdul Gafoor, 25, Gold Leaf, GA. Dhaandhoo, was attacked as he was walking near the halfway house the at approximately 10:00 pm on September 29, 2017.

He sustained eight stab wounds in the attack, and was already deceased when taken to the hospital.

Yamin Rasheed, Hilton, Fuvahmulah City, was charged with murder with intent using a sharp-edged weapon in connection to the case.

The Criminal Court issued him an acquittal December 29, 2022.

Prosecutor General’s Office spokesperson Ahmed Shafeeu said the decision was appealed with the High Court on Sunday.

The state had faced challenges with their witnesses during the trial. None of the state witnesses testified to seeing Yamin kill Haris. While the state had produced a number of secret witnesses, none of them testified during the trial. The state had asked the court to consider the statements they gave to investigators.

However, the court ruled that it cannot consider testimony that wasn’t given in making a judgement.

The court therefore acquitted Yamin due to lack of evidence.