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High Court concludes death penalty appeal in Arham's murder

Mohamed Wisam: He was sentenced to death for murder on September 22, 2016. (File Photo/Maldives Police Service)

High Court has concluded the appeal hearings held over the death penalty issued to Mohamed Wisam for the murder of school student Mohamed Arham in 2012.

Arham, a ninth grader at Dharumavantha School and a native of H. A. Hoarafushi, was found stabbed to death inside Lorenzo Park in the early hours of May 31, 2012.

Four people were originally tried for his murder, but only Wisam, a native of L. Maavah was found guilty of the charge by Criminal Court following a trial which lasted four years.

Wisam, who has been sentenced to death for the murder, has appealed his sentence at the High Court.

During the appeal hearing this Monday afternoon, Wisam’s attorney and the attorney from the Prosecutor General’s Office both presented their closing arguments. The judge announced the conclusion of hearings barring any additional clarification, and said the court will next schedule a hearing to issue its verdict.

The three other suspects who were originally tried for the murder are:

  • Mansoor Yoosuf, Asareege, L. Maavah
  • Mohamed Sufyan, Gunzar, G. Dh. Gadhdhoo
  • Athif Rasheed, Ma. Scenery View, Male’ City

At the original trial, eye witnesses testified to seeing Arham at Lorenzo Park sometime between 1 am and 6:30 am on May 31, 2012, and testified to seeing all four defendants arriving at the Lorenzo Park on motorcycles with additional unidentified men.

(From L-R) Athif Rasheed, Mohamed Sufyan, Mohamed Wisam, and Mansoor Yoosuf. (File Photo/Maldives Police Service)

The eye witnesses testified to seeing Wisam, Mansoor and Sufyan entering the Lorenzo Park, stabbing Arham; and Wisam, Mansoor, Sufyan and Arham getting back on the motorcycles and fleeing the scene.

The State failed to prove the charge against Mansoor, Sufyan and Athif and only Wisam was found guilty of the charge.

At the trial, Arham’s father, Abdul Ghafoor Ali requested the application of the principle of equal retaliation as punishment under Islamic Sharia.

SUMMARY:

  • Arham is found stabbed to death inside Lorenzo Park on May 31, 2012
  • Four people are charged with his murder
  • Trial begins on November 1, 2012
  • All four defendants plead innocent
  • Both the State and defense use eye witnesses
  • Criminal Court finds Wisam guilty of Arham’s murder on September 22, 2016
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