Naushad’s Death: High Court rules no grounds to impose conditions on Faih and Siruhan
3 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 11:35The state has appealed the Criminal Court's acquittal of two suspects charged with the murder of Mohamed Ahmed Didi (Naushad) inside the "Class" shop in Maafannu. Although the prosecution requested the High Court to impose specific conditions on the individuals pending the appeal process, the court ruled that there is no legal basis to mandate such restrictions.
Ibrahim Faih Nizam, of Rathdebhaige, S. Maradhoo-Feydhoo, and Siruhan Ali, of Gulhenoorammaage, Th. Gaadhiffushi. | Raajje MV
The High Court has ruled that there are no grounds to impose additional conditions on the respondents in the appeal case concerning the fatal stabbing of Mohamed Ahmed Didi (Naushad) of Izmir, S. Hithadhoo, as the individuals are already in state custody.
The incident related to this case occurred on February 24, 2023, at approximately 21:30. Naushad was attacked while inside the "Class" shop located on Muranga Magu in Maafannu. While inside the shop, he sustained deep stab wounds to his head, neck, chest, and abdomen, as well as to both knees.
The state has pressed charges in this case against Ibrahim Faih Nizam, of Rathdebhaige, S. Maradhoo-Feydhoo, and Siruhan Ali, of Gulhenoorammaage, Th. Gaadhiffushi. Both individuals are charged with intentional murder using a sharp object. The charges were brought under the Act on Prohibition of Intimidation and Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects.
In delivering the verdict, Criminal Court Judge Ibrahim Ihusan ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the charge of intentional murder using a sharp object beyond any reasonable doubt. The judge noted that the evidence presented did not meet the stringent evidentiary standards required for Qisas (retaliatory) cases, nor did it satisfy the "beyond a reasonable doubt" threshold mandated under Article 51(h) of the Constitution.
Consequently, the State appealed the decision to the High Court. Although the prosecution initially sought to keep the suspects in remand pending the outcome of the case, they later amended this request to avoid potential delays in the proceedings. Instead, the State requested the court to impose specific conditions upon their release.
However, the High Court ruled by a majority that there were no grounds to impose conditions upon them.
The High Court's decision was based on the fact that the State had withdrawn its initial detention request. Furthermore, the court noted that the prosecution failed to provide a legal basis for requesting the conditional detention of an individual who had already been acquitted of all charges by the lower court.
