Another chance for murder suspect to appoint lawyer
The judge directed the state to aid Abidh in this regard. After that, the hearing that had lasted all of 15 minutes, had concluded.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Tuesday’s hearing also concluded with another chance to find a lawyer for the defence of Pakistani Mohamed Abidh, who is accused for stabbing of a Bangladeshi waiter in a restaurant in Hulhumale, who succumbed to his injury and died.
Abidh was charged on 15 June with deliberate manslaughter, for killing a man using a sharp object. The last hearing in the case was held two months ago on 13 October:
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30 minutes before the hearing, Abidh's then counsel recused himself from the case
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The defence lawyer had argued that Abidh's "lack of support from his family" was the reason for his withdrawal. Another lawyer had recused prior to this as well
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Two months later, the matter was scheduled for hearing again on 6 December
Even when Abidh appeared for the hearing, a defence lawyer was not presented. Judge Ismail Shafiu gave him another chance to appoint a lawyer. The judge said since it was a case of murder, the trial could not proceed without a defence lawyer.
Abidh said during Tuesday’s trial:
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His recused defence lawyer had been paid twice by his family, and they claimed that the lawyer was not responding anymore
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Since family meetings are allowed only twice a month, it is difficult to appoint a lawyer
The judge directed the state to aid Abidh in this regard. After that, the hearing that had lasted all of 15 minutes, had concluded.
Abidh, 26, was arrested for allegedly killing a Bangladeshi waiter MD Shameem in a clash inside the restaurant Khanji, dedicated to Pakistani cuisine on 18 April.
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After the hearings began in June, the next stage was to record witness statements
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During the hearing, he denied the charge; Abidh said that the attack was not carried out with the intent to kill, but in self defence
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