Hearings Conclude in Shahum Death Sentence Case, Supreme Court to Announce Verdict Later

The Supreme Court has announced today that it will issue its verdict in the murder case against Ibrahim Shahum Adam, who was sentenced to death by the High Court for a fatal stabbing in Malé 12 years ago. 

The court announced this decision at the conclusion of today’s hearing held in relation to the case.  

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Shahum was sentenced in 2021 for the 2011 murder of Ahsan Basheer near the junction of Majeedhee Magu and Alikilegefaanu Magu.

The State submitted the case to the Supreme Court in 2022 for confirmation of the death sentence. Under Maldivian law, death penalty cases are referred to the Supreme Court for confirmation when the convicted person does not appeal the sentence. 

The State has argued that the evidence presented at trial proved Shahum’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt and that the legal requirements for intentional murder were met. 

The High Court’s conviction relied significantly on a statement Ahsan made before his death, which became the first dying declaration accepted as key evidence by a Maldivian court.

Another man convicted in connection with the killing, Hassan Shimaz Mohamed Suvaad, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for aiding Shahum.

Shahum is also serving a life sentence for a separate murder committed in 2010 near the Maafannu Youth Centre. He was released by the Criminal Court less than a year after his detention and later murdered Ahsan following his release.