Shuhad murder case: parents seek death penalty as retribution
The heirs of Abdulla Shuhad have reaffirmed their demand for the death penalty in the Supreme Court appeal of Hassan Fareed, who was convicted of Shuhad's 2010 murder in Fuvahmulah. While Fareed contended that his rights were violated during the investigative phase, the prosecution’s case remains supported by the testimony of seven witnesses, and the Supreme Court has now concluded hearings with a final verdict expected in the next session.
Hassan Fareed, who was charged with the 2010 murder of Abdulla Shuhad in Fuvahmulah City. | Raajje MV
The family of Abdulla Shuhad, who was killed during a violent altercation in Gn. Fuvahmulah in 2010, has testified in court seeking the death penalty against the accused, Hassan Fareed.
Shuhad was killed in an attack carried out by Fareed with a knife on the night of January 27, 2010, at approximately 21:30. The incident occurred while Shuhad was sitting with a group of people on the boundary wall of a house named 'Keufinige,' located at the intersection of Bodu Fannu Magu and Bahaaru Magu in the Dhoodigam ward of Fuvahmulah. Shuhad passed away the following day while undergoing treatment for the injuries sustained in the attack.
In the case involving the stabbing of Shuhad, the state also presented oral testimonies. During the lower court proceedings, Shuhad's father and mother stated that they seek the application of the death penalty as retribution.
The lower court's verdict sentencing Fareed to death stated that seven witnesses testified to him attacking Shuhad. Furthermore, Shuhad's medico-legal report confirmed that his death was caused by injuries sustained to his ribcage. The Criminal Court's ruling noted that since the charges of attacking and murdering Shuhad were proven against Fareed, and because Shuhad's legal heirs—his mother and father—had both expressed their desire for the death penalty (Qisas), the court officially sentenced Fareed to death.
The High Court has upheld the lower court's ruling. Consequently, Fareed has appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court concluded hearings for this appeal in 2021. However, the case remained stalled for a significant period without a verdict, further complicated by subsequent changes to the presiding bench of judges, which led to additional delays. Hearings have now resumed, and during Thursday's session, the court summoned the legal heirs of Shuhad to record their statements.
Prior to that, the Chief Justice inquired whether Hassan Fareed had anything to say to Shuhad's heirs. In response, Fareed stated during the hearing that he had no statement to make to them.
Shuhad's father, appearing as one of his legal heirs, testified in court that the family seeks the application of the death penalty under the principle of "a life for a life."
During the hearing, Hassan Fareed raised concerns and complained that he was denied several rights during the investigation process. In response, the judges stated that they would look into the matters he highlighted and seek further clarification on the issues raised.
Following this, the proceedings will conclude, and the court will move to deliver its final verdict.
