Gov’t Expresses Concern Over Acquittal of Murder Suspects in Anas Case

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has expressed concern following the Criminal Court’s decision to acquit seven suspects charged in connection to the murder of Mohamed Anas, a young man from R. Meedhoo who was fatally stabbed inside the Litus Service Center in Male’ in 2017.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Home Ministry highlighted the acquittal of the suspects, who were charged with murder with intent using a sharp-edged weapon and as accomplices to murder with intent using a sharp-edged weapon. 

The ministry noted that the court cited a lack of evidence beyond reasonable doubt for the acquittal, describing the outcome as a setback that could undermine public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.

Emphasising the importance of upholding the rule of law, the ministry announced that the Attorney General’s Office (AG Office) has initiated efforts to identify necessary reforms within the criminal justice system to prevent similar incidents and ensure accountability for criminal acts.

Furthermore, collaborative efforts are underway among relevant government authorities to strengthen the Maldives’ criminal justice system and ensure fair punishment for offenders.

Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem assured the ministry that the next steps regarding Anas’ case would be determined upon receiving the case report from the Criminal Court.

Anas, who fled into the Litus Service Center on the night of July 31, 2017, was pursued by eight individuals on motorcycles armed with sharp-edged weapons. He suffered 24 stab wounds in the brutal attack, resulting in his death.

Charges were filed against eight individuals, including seven adults and a minor whose identity remains undisclosed due to their age at the time of the incident.

The adults facing charges include Ahmed Zayan, Usman Shareef, Afrah Abdul Razzaq, Junaih Abdullah, Hassan Mahfooz, Simah Moosa, and Mohamed Saaz. The charges range from murder with intent to being accomplices to murder.

The minor’s trial was conducted separately, with the Juvenile Court initially finding them not guilty on January 3, 2021. However, this ruling was overturned by the High Court on October 11, 2022. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih later commuted the minor’s 18-year prison sentence to 10 years using executive powers before leaving office.

The incident gained widespread attention after a video capturing Anas’ stabbing went viral on social media. Medical testimony from Dr. Ibrahim Mubeen, who attended to Anas at ADK Hospital, indicated that the victim had succumbed to his injuries upon arrival, with the severity of the wounds suggesting instant fatality.