Smith, arrested for Dr Afrasheem

The Police have released Ali Hashim (Smith) of Autumn Vaadhee, Ha. Dhiddhoo, who was arrested for the murder of Ungoofaaru MP the late Dr Afrasheem Ali.

Smith’s defence lawyer Abdullah Haseen said that the Police were supposed to produce Smith in court tonight for extension of his detention period; however, he was released without being produced in court.

Mariyam Naifa, who was also arrested following the same murder, was released by Criminal Court on 18 November.

Based on the information disclosed by the Police so far, four people remain under arrest in relation to this crime.

Sun Online understands that the Police produced Hassan Humam in Criminal Court tonight for extension of his detention period. However since Humam does not have a lawyer, the court’s decision on the matter is not yet known.

Police said earlier that details of Dr Afrasheem’s murder will not be shared before the Ungoofaaru by-election.

Home Minister Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has said that the murderers have been identified, and that the Police will reveal details shortly.

Police said at the latest press conference held in relation to this crime, that the murder was premeditated and conducted very differently from other similar crimes in the Maldives.

About 80 police officers are involved in this investigation.

Assistance has also been sought from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Singapore Police.

The late Dr Afrasheem was found murdered by the staircase in his apartment building, H. Funvilu, on 1 October 2012.

Police have offered a reward of MVR500,000 for anyone who can provide substantial information on this murder that can lead to a prosecution. They have also assured that anyone who provides information will be protected.