We want death penalty for the murderers: Ayyube

Five heirs of Ali Hassan (Ayyube), 76, of Samandharuge, who was brutally murdered in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo earlier this year, have said asked the Juvenile Court for the death penalty for the three children charged with Ayyube’s murder.

A senior official of Juvenile Court said that the five heirs made this request while giving their statements yesterday, and that statements will be obtained from the remaining four heirs at the next session.

The state has charged two children with accessory to first degree murder, and they have pleaded guilty to the crime in court. A third child is charged with first degree murder, and he has indicated his wish to appear in court with a lawyer.

He has neither denied the claims nor confessed to the crime.

The Juvenile Court official said that he had been given the opportunity to appoint a lawyer since 12 March. He has been given the final chance to do so before the hearing tomorrow.

In addition, three people of Kudahuvadhoo are charged in Criminal Court in relation to Ayyube’s murder. They are Ibrahim Waseem of Maaveli, Ibrahim Majid of Ranakuri, and Fauzan Mohamed of Fanas.

Waseem, who is the step grandson of Ayyube, has confessed to the crime.

Trials for Majid and Fauzan have not commenced yet.