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Suspects in the case. (Photo/Police)

High Court denies remand for defendants in Anas murder appeal

Anas, a resident of Fenfiyaz, R. Meedhoo, was killed on 31 July 2017 inside the Litus Service Centre.

11 March 2025
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High Court on Monday ruled that the seven individuals accused in the killing of Mohamed Anas will not be remanded in custody pending the appeal hearing.

Anas, a resident of Fenfiyaz, R. Meedhoo, was killed on 31 July 2017 inside the Litus Service Centre after being mistaken for a rival gang member. Seven individuals were charged in connection with the case under two separate charges:

Charge of intentional homicide:

  • Afrah Abdul Razzaq

  • Ahmed Zayan

  • Usman Shareef

Charge of participation in intentional homicide:

  • Junaih Abdulla

  • Hassan Mahfooz

  • Simah Moosa

  • Mohamed Shaz

On 25 February 2024, the Criminal Court acquitted all seven defendants. The prosecution appealed the verdict on 16 May 2024 and requested that the defendants be remanded in custody during the appeal process.

The High Court ruled that the prosecution had not demonstrated sufficient grounds to justify remand at the appeal stage. The judges noted three conditions under which an appeal-stage remand could be granted:

  • A likelihood of the appeal succeeding

  • Potential harm to substantial community interest

  • A risk of the appellant fleeing

The ruling was issued unanimously by the three-judge bench, consisting of:

  • Mohamed Shaneez (Chair)

  • Hussain Shaheed (Chief Justice of High Court)

  • Mohamed Faisal

The only individual convicted in connection with the case was a minor at the time of the incident. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih later commuted the sentence. The family of Anas has raised concerns over the acquittal of the remaining defendants after six years.

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