Court Acquits Seven in Hammer Attack Case on Former Prosecutor General

The Criminal Court has acquitted seven individuals accused of attempting to murder former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem with a hammer, citing inconsistencies in key evidence.

The attack occurred in February last year, outside Shameem’s residence, after he was allegedly followed. CCTV footage capturing the incident was presented during the trial, which began in September. Shameem also gave a statement in court as part of the proceedings.

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The individuals charged in connection with the attack were Midhhath Adam of Riveli, R. Alifushi; Mohamed Jazlan of Javaahiru Villa, Thundi, L. Gan; Zayan Naseer of Kemihiya, ADh. Maamigili; Abaan Abdul Hannaan of Ruvaa, Th. Dhiyamigili; Rajvan Latheef of Murin’gi, L. Maamendhoo; Ahmed Maisan Hashim of Malé; and Shamaal Hussain of Musthareege, Th. Gaadhiffushi. They were accused of attempted murder with a dangerous weapon.

According to the charges, Midhhath carried out the attack, while Jazlan transported him to the scene on a motorcycle. Maisan was charged with providing the motorcycle used in the attack. The other four were accused of planning the assault and being present at the scene in a car before fleeing.

In a ruling delivered last Monday, Judge Ibrahim Ihusan said that discrepancies in the time stamps of the CCTV footage and the reported time of the attack undermined the credibility of the prosecution’s key evidence. The court noted that the footage submitted appeared to have breaks in its sequence and the time discrepancies were not addressed during the trial.

The court found that the failure to clarify the inconsistencies in the footage created doubt about the reliability of the main evidence. In the absence of further corroborating evidence, the court ruled that the seven accused could not be convicted.

As a result, all seven individuals were found not guilty and acquitted of the charges.