Zihan, suspect of murdering 13-yo asserts he doesn't need lawyer

27-year-old Ibrahim Zihan, native to Landhoo island in Noonu atoll and accused of kidnapping and murdering a 13-year-old boy, has asserted that he does not need a lawyer.

In late August, the Criminal Court ruled to close the murder trial of Ibrahim Zihan, 27, over the kidnapping and killing of a 13-year-old in June, to the public. Hence, Sunday’s hearing in the trial was closed off to the public as well.

Summarizing the details of the hearing to RaajjeMV, the Prosecutor General’s Office revealed that a preliminary hearing was held on Sunday, where Zihan was given the chance to appoint legal representation. He responded by saying he does not need a lawyer.

The state prosecutors had revealed that although lawyers are required to the investigative stage, they aren’t mandatory for the trial.

With Zihan’s refusal to appoint legal representation, the judges had agreed to seek if there would be any obstructions to appoint state attorneys against the will of the accused, and has decided to seek the Attorney General’s counsel on the matter.

Zihan’s remand review was also held on Sunday, where the presiding judge declared to uphold the decision to keep Zihan remanded pending the outcome of the trial.

Two were charged with first-degree murder over the murder, Zihan and a 17-year-old whose identity has not been disclosed as he is a minor. Both suspects were remanded for the duration of their trials.

While PG Hussain Shameem revealed that 13 charges have been pressed against the 27-year-old man, he will face a jail sentence totaling 100 years if found guilty. He noted that they have received enough evidence to prove the charges against the two, and details from the postmortem report are also being used during prosecution.

The older suspect had a home arrest order against him at the time of the 13-year-old's kidnapping and murder, over fear of an attack on another person. Further, he has a criminal history as per official records.

Maldives was shaken after the abduction and consecutive murder of a 13-year-old boy made the headlines on June 22.

The body of the boy, 13 and native to Madaveli island in Gaaf Dhaal atoll, was found stuffed inside a suitcase in the lagoon northeast of Hulhumalé Phase II, a region into which entry is unauthorized. Police pulled the suitcase out of the water in the late hours of June 21.

Deputy Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Fathmath Yumna had revealed that the child had been receiving social support from the Ministry’s Child and Family Protection Services.

The 13-year-old’s body was sent to India to conduct an autopsy on July 5 and was brought back doe burial on July 12.