2 defendants plead “not guilty” to Nadheem’s murder

Two of the defendants standing trial for the murder of Nadheem Abdul Raheem (Nadey) have pled “not guilty” to the charges.

Criminal Court held hearings for four defendants charged in the fatal assault on Nadheem - one with murder and three with accessory to murder – this Wedneday. The case also involves a minor who will be tried separately at Juvenile Court.

Of the three adult defendants charged with accessory to murder, Hussain Shamin, 24, from R. Innamaadhoo and Mohamed Karam Suhail, 22, from G. A. Gemanafushi pled “not guilty” when the charges were read to them this Wednesday. The third defendant – Ali Nifaz, 21, from L. Gan did not respond when the charge was read to him.

The main suspect in the case is Mohamed Mafaz Hussain Saleem, 20, from G. Shaaraaz in Male’ City. He has been charged with murder using a sharp weapon.

Reading the charge against him, State prosecutor said Mafaz stabbed Nadheem above his left ear as he was sitting inside Terminal Café on July 27, using a knife with a six-inch blade. She said Nadheem had passed away at ADK Hospital, while receiving treatment for the injury, at 5:12 pm, July 29.

The State prosecutor said Shamin and Nifaz were charged as accessories due to their involvement in the stabbing, and that Karam was charged as an accessory because he had driven to the café on his motorcycle and been involved in the stabbing.

All three face 15-25 years in prison if convicted.

The four defendants in the case said they have received documents relevant to the case, and that they wished to continue with legal assistance.

Judge Muhthaaz Fahmy granted the defendants 10 days to hire defense attorneys.

At the hearing, the State prosecutor noted that all defendants except for Karam have been jailed pending outcome of trial, and requested a similar court order for Karam.

Judge Muhthaaz said he hadn’t come prepared for such a request, but said he would make a decision before the end of Karam’s remand period.