Qasim's inheritors identified; to testify at next hearing

Criminal Court has identified the inheritors of Qasim Hassan, the taxi driver who was murdered in the knife attack in suburban Hulhumale’ to seek word from them ahead of sentencing Adhuham Mohamed who was found guilty of Qasim’s murder.

Adhuham Mohamed, Bodu Hiyaage, Lh. Hinnavaru attacked Qasim Hassan, 59, Kaneerumaage, ADh. Maamgili, near Hulhumale’ Halfway House on the night of December 4^th.

Gasim succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the attack while being treated at Hulhumale’ Hospital on the same night. Adhuham was arrested in connection to the case two weeks later, on December 19^th.

The prosecution suspects Qasim was stabbed during an attempt a failed robbery attempt.

Criminal Court, on March 19^th, found Adhuham guilty of murder with intention in connection to the case. Therewith, the court is required to seek word from Qasim’s inheritors before they sentence Adhuham.

At a hearing held on Thursday, Criminal Court obtained testimonies from acquittances of Qasim to establish his heirs. As per them, Qasim was survived by five children at the time of his death, however, his wife and parents had been deceased.

Judge Ali Nadheem, who is presiding over the case, said that another hearing will be scheduled very soon to seek word from Qasim’s inheritors on whether they want the death penalty or not.

The case was first submitted to the Criminal Court with the plea agreement executed between the Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) and Adhuham.

Adhuham, during a hearing, had admitted his guilt initially and recounted the attack in detail. However, he later retracted his confession claiming he was tortured by the police.

Nevertheless, Adhuham again admitted his guilt at the Criminal Court for a second time. This time, he said he did not carry out the murder with intention, but rather under influence.

Judge Nadheem, in his judgment, said that Adhuham’s actions before and after the attack proves he did not carry out the attack while so impaired to the point he cannot understand the consequences of his action.

Judge Nadheem concluded that Adhuham was guilty of murder with intention as charged citing all elements of the crime had been fulfilled.