State: Aafiya has no psychological issues

The state has said that Aafiya Mohamed Manik, who has been charges with the murder of her three-year-old son, Mohamed Ibthihaal, has no psychological issues.

At the hearing in Aafiya's first degree murder trial today, the Prosecutor General's Office said that the tests done by the state shows no psychological issues with the accused.

After two hearings, the trial was slowed down on the request from the state.

The three-year-old Mohamed Ibthihaal died around 12 p.m. on 28 January 2015 from asphyxia and wounds suffered at the hands of his mother.

State prosecutor said today that a request was made to slow down the trial was to do the necessary psychiatric evaluation and tests show that she is not insane. And so believes that the charges of first degree murder can be pursued.

Lawyer Azima Shukoor who has previous represented the accused did not appear in court today. Judge Muhuthaz Fahumee said that a letter has been received from the Attorney General’s Office saying that Azmia has resigned from all of her cases due to her appointment to a high position in the government. Amiza Shukoor is currently the Legal Affairs Minister at the President’s Office.

At the hearing today, Aafiya said that she does not need a lawyer. The prosecution and the Judges repeatedly asked if she requires legal counsel. Aafiya said that she wants to move forward without legal counsel. As to why she made the decision, Aafiya responded with, “no reason.” The state prosecutor said that she wants to confirm if the accused would not require legal counsel later on in the case since there is a lot of evidence the state wants to present. To which she responded that she would not require legal counsel.

The Judge said that he could offer more time to assign a lawyer but if the accused is refusing legal counsel, the court does not provide a lawyer. At the previous hearing in the case, Aafiya confessed to the murder and abuse of Ibthihaal.

She said that she has been abusing her since he came from her mother and it was because “he did not have a father.” Aafiya confessed that she abused Ibthihaal every time she got angry. Today’s hearing ended after the Judge declared that another hearing would be held for the state to present evidence.

Aafiya was handcuffed to the back when she was brought to the courthouse today.