Court Hands Down Death Penalty in 2021 Teen Killing

The Criminal Court has sentenced two men to death over the killing of 17-year-old Ahmed Udhayyu in Gaafu Alifu Maamendhoo in 2021.

Ahmed Shameem of Rihifarudhaage and Mohamed Mazin of Gulfamge were found guilty of deliberately murdering the teenager during an attack in February that year. A third defendant, Sharaf Rasheed, was acquitted of first-degree murder but convicted of taking part in an assault involving a sharp weapon. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, with the court ruling that the time he has already spent in custody will be deducted.

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According to the reporters present during the final hearing, Udhayyu’s parents were asked for their wishes regarding sentencing. His father called for the death penalty under Islamic law, while his mother told the court she might have considered forgiveness if the defendants had admitted guilt, but said their denial left her unwilling to pardon. She recalled the night of the killing, alleging Mazin had called himself “King” after her son was attacked. 

Judge Ali Nadheem stated that the decision must be made by the victim’s heirs, not imposed by others, before issuing the ruling in line with the parents’ repeated demand for execution.

Both Shameem and Mazin denied involvement when invited to speak before sentencing. Defence lawyers argued that Udhayyu’s heirs had not been fully informed about the defendants’ roles, the implications of capital punishment, or the possibility of pardon. Prosecutors said Udhayyu was taken to hospital with severe injuries while the accused were celebrating, and requested the death penalty in accordance with the family’s wishes.

Earlier in the a same case, a 17-year-old tried in Juvenile Court for his role in the murder was sentenced to 25 years in prison.