High Court supports life in prison for assailants in the murder of Hassan Abubakur

High Court has suported the sentence from the Criminal Court against the two suspects in the kidnapping and murder of an elderly man in Noonu Maafaru five years ago.

Criminal Court sentenced Ahmed Naushad (Malé City) and Mohamed Faisal (Laamu Isdhoo) to life in prison after being convicted of terrorism for the kidnapping and murder of Hassan Abdubakur (Noonu Maafaru, Hiyfaseyhage).

Abubakur is the step grandfather of Naushad.

Criminal Court sentenced the two people involved to life in prison in April, 2015. After reviewing the appeal by the High Court, the court today said that there is no legal or judicial reason to change the ruling from the Criminal Court.

High Court made the ruling with the unanimous vote of the all three judges presiding over the case.

The verdict from the High Court said that both suspects admitted that the victim, Abubakur died as a result of their actions. And the time, location and the actions of the suspects incited fear among the general public.

The 65-year-old Hassan Abubakur was found murdered on 30 May 2012 with his hand bound in duct tape, a t-shirt tied on his mouth and a pillow on his face covering the eyes.

He was restrained in his own home on the night of 29 May 2012 around 1 a.m. The assailants stole MVR 11,500 from the residence.

Criminal Court sentenced the two assailants under Article 6-A of the Anti-Terrorism Law.