Shahil sentenced to over 3 years in prison over Shiaau murder

The Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced Ali Shahil to three years, one month and six days in prison after finding him guilty of possession of pornographic material and use of cannabis.

The charges are linked to the investigation into the murder of Shiaau Mohamed Saeed.

Shiaau, 22, was found dead on August 6, 2022, in an apartment on the ninth floor of H. Sheereenvilla. Shahil, who was living in the same apartment, was arrested at the scene on the same night.

Following the discovery, Shahil was charged with multiple offences, including first-degree murder, possession of pornographic material, use of cannabis and two additional charges.

The sentence issued on Tuesday relates only to the charges of possession of pornographic material and drug use.

Details of the evidence presented for these charges have not been disclosed, as the hearings are being conducted behind closed doors.

The court is scheduled to hear final submissions on the remaining charges, including the murder charge, on the 27th of this month.

A post-mortem examination conducted in India found that the victim’s body had sustained injuries after death.

Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem had stated that Shahil did not admit to the charges. The case was delayed due to Shahil’s lack of response during hearings and issues related to legal representation. The state initially appointed defence lawyers, but Shahil later chose to proceed without legal counsel.