The High Court has begun hearing the appeal case for Ibrahim Shah, the prime suspect in 37-year-old Ziyadha Naeem's suspicious death, after the Criminal Court acquitted him on all charges.
Ziyadha Naeem died of fatal injuries caused by alleged marital rape and domestic violence.
The appeal was sent to the High Court from the Prosecutor Generals (PG) office, on April 8.
Shah, 40, from GDh.Thinadhoo is facing four charges which include marital rape, a reckless act leading to the death of a person, and negligence – leading to the death of a person and the possession of pornographic material.
Maldives Police Service (MPS) disclosed that their investigation of Ziyadha's case found evidence of physical and sexual assault which was corroborated by her autopsy report.
Nevertheless, the Criminal Court found Shah innocent on all charges on 21st September leading to public criticism towards the Criminal Court and the country's judicial system.
The hearing was held in secret at the request of the PG office.
According to the PG office, Shah's appeal trial has also been requested to be held in secret.
