The appeal trial in the murder of Mohamed Anas, native to Meedhoo island of Raa atoll, has commenced at the High Court.

After six long years, Criminal Court ruled that none of the accused were guilty of the charges raised against them, on 25 February 2024.

During a hearing held at the High Court on Wednesday, an appeal was submitted.

However, some of the defendants in the case appeared in court without a lawyer.

They have sought some time to appoint a lawyer.

The presiding judge gave them a period of seven days to appoint legal representation.

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) has also sought a remand order for the defendants in connection with the case.

The state attorney revealed that the state did not object to giving the accused an opportunity to appoint a lawyer.

The next hearing will see the issuance of a remand period for the accused.

Presiding over the case are Judge Mohamed Shaneez Abdulla, Judge Hussain Shaheed and Judge Mohamed Faisal.

Anas, 25, was stabbed to death on 31 July 2017 by a group of masked men.

He is seen fleeing from his attackers and running into Litus Service Center in Henveiru-ward of capital Malé City on CCTV footage.

The footage goes onto show Anas brutally stabbed by his attackers inside the garage.