Defendant Hassan Fawaz Granted Detention Relief Over Medical Needs in Naeema Moosa murder case
Hassan Fawaz is a thalassaemia patient requiring regular blood transfusions, and the defense has previously expressed concerns in court regarding his lack of access to adequate medical treatment.
Hassan Fawaz, who has been charged in connection with the murder of Naeema Moosa. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Despite being in custody for the April 2023 murder of Naeema Moosa in Annaarumaage, N. Manadhoo, Hassan Fawaz of Vinares, N. Manadhoo, has been granted a conditional release from detention due to his deteriorating health condition.
In this case, he has been charged with intentional homicide using a sharp object, obstruction of justice, and the indignity to a human corpse. These charges were filed with the Criminal Court on November 30, 2023.
Hassan Fawaz is a thalassaemia patient who requires regular blood transfusions. The defense has previously expressed concerns in court regarding his inability to access adequate medical treatment.
Fawaz has been held in prison under the custody of the Maldives Correctional Service since the beginning of the investigation phase of this case.
However, on March 9, 2026, the Maldives Correctional Service informed the Prosecutor General’s Office that his medical condition has made it increasingly difficult to provide adequate treatment while he remains in custody.
In consideration of Hassan Fawaz’s medical condition and the sensitivity of his illness, the Prosecutor General’s Office has requested the Criminal Court to grant him a conditional release. This request was made as a special measure to safeguard his right to life, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, in accordance with medical advice.
The conditions of the release include refraining from any unlawful acts or further criminal offenses and appearing in court punctually as required. Additionally, the individual is prohibited from leaving their residence between 6:00 PM and 8:00 AM, except for medical purposes. Furthermore, unless attending a medical appointment elsewhere, they are required to report to the nearest police station daily between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM to sign in.
Furthermore, the court has ordered that the individual refrain from traveling outside of Malé, avoid any contact or communication with potential witnesses in the case, and abstain from exerting any influence over them. Additionally, the individual is required to submit documentation regarding their ongoing medical treatment to both the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Criminal Court every 15 days.
Since Hassan Fawaz agreed to these conditions, the Criminal Court decided to release him from custody during a hearing held on March 17, 2026.
The Maldives Correctional Service and the Maldives Police Service will ensure that Hassan Fawaz complies with the conditions mandated by the court. Should he violate any of these conditions, the Prosecutor General’s Office will petition the court to have him remanded back to prison.
