PG appeals acquittal of Shameem's attackers

The High Court of Maldives has accepted the appeal on Criminal Court’s decision to acquit the individuals suspected of attacking former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem with a hammer.

Shameem was attacked with the utility hardware on January 31^st last year and was treated at the ADK Hospital for his wounds. Police concluded its investigation on seven suspects and submitted the for the Prosecutor General’s Office to press charges against them on August 18 last year.

The accused in the case are:

• Shamaal Hussain, 21, Th. Gaadhiffushi (Musthareege)
• Zayaan Naseer, 23, ADh. Maamigili (Kemeehiya)
• Abaan Abdul Hannan, 23, Th. Dhiyamigili (Ruvaa)
• Rajuwaan Latheef, 22, L. Maamendhoo (Muringu)
• Midhuhath Adam, 24, R. Alifushi (Riveli)
• Mohamed Jazlaan, 22, L. Gan (Javaahiru Villa)
• Ahmed Maisaan Hashim, 20, Male’ Dhaftharu No. 2247

All seven men face allegations of attempted murder using a dangerous weapon. The Criminal Court earlier on April 14 acquitted all seven men citing lack of sufficient evidence to prove culpability.

Reportedly the court held that the time stamp on the CCTV footage – which had been submitted as prosecution evidence – and the time of the incident did not match, which was grounds for insufficiency. This was the reason for the presiding judge Ibrahim Ihsan’s judgment.

With the deadline for appeal expiring on Monday, the Prosecutor General’s Office has submitted the application to the High Court.