Stepfather, mother deny killing daughter’s baby

Stepfather and mother of a girl who gave birth at 15 years of age has plead “not guilty” to killing the newborn infant.

Azeeza Ibrahim and Abdul Gafoor Qasim – both from Sh. Feydhoo – are accused of killing the new born infant on June 25, 2012.

Original charges against Azeeza and Abdul Gafoor in 2013 were dropped and they were re-charged again in 2016.

Both plead “not guilty” when the charges were read against them at court, this Wednesday.

The charges against Azeeza and Abdul Gafoor reads that they refused to obtain professional medical care throughout the pregnancy of the 15-year-old girl and refused to seek professional medical help when the girl went into labor.

State accuses the couple of hiding the pregnancy, and taking no measures to ensure health and safety of the infant during pregnancy or during birth.

The couple are accused of burying the infant in the bathroom of Azeeza’s house.

State holds the couple culpable for the death of the infant through negligence.

The couple will be given the chance to address the charges against them and submit evidence during the next hearing.