Ahsan’s murder: State requests Supreme Court to reaffirm Shahum’s death sentence

State has requested the Supreme Court to reaffirm the decision by High Court to sentence Ibrahim Shahum Adam to death in connection to the 2011 murder of Ahsan Basheer.

Ahsan Basheer, Varudheege, S. Hithadhoo, died in a stabbing that took place at the Majeedhee Magu-Alikilegefaanu Magu junction at approximately 03:20 am on March 17, 2011. 

Two men were charged in connection to the murder. 

Shahum, G. Cozy, Male’, was charged with intentional murder while Hassan Shimaz Mohamed Suvad was charged as an accessory to intentional murder.

However, the Criminal Court acquitted them in 2014. Though Shimaz walked free with the ruling, Shahum – who had been convicted in 2013 of another murder – remained in prison.

High Court overturned the seven-year-old ruling in last October – finding the evidence sufficient to prove the charges against them.  

In this regard, the court sentenced Shahum to death, and his accessory, Shimaz, to 15 years in prison. 

All of Ahsan’s heirs had asked for the application of Qisas – to have his killer sentenced to death. Ahsan’s heirs are his parents and three sisters and four brothers. His father has passed away. 

State requested the Supreme Court to reaffirm High Court’s decision last week – as Shahum has not appealed his conviction. Supreme Court, however, has yet to make a decision on whether to accept or reject.

Shahum is already serving a life sentence for terrorism in connection to the murder of Mohamed Hussain, M. Beautyflower, Male’, in a gang-related attack at the Maziya football field in May, 2010.