Shahil allowed to review protected evidence in Shiau murder trial
He was sentenced to three years, one month and six days in prison on those charges.
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A defendant charged in the killing of Shiau Mohamed Saeed was granted permission on Monday to examine protected evidence in the ongoing case before the Criminal Court of Maldives.
Ali Shahil is accused in connection with the death of Shiau, 22, who was found dead on 6 August 2022 inside an apartment on the ninth floor of H. Sheereenvilla in Malé.
Shahil, a friend of the victim who was living in a room in the apartment, was arrested at the scene on the night of the incident.
He faces charges including intentional murder using a sharp object, possession of child pornography, cannabis use and two additional charges that remain confidential.
The court is currently hearing the murder charge and the confidential charges in closed proceedings.
Monday’s hearing had been scheduled for closing submissions. However, before that stage, the court considered physical evidence presented by the prosecution.
During the session, Shahil requested access to certain protected evidence for examination and review. The request was granted.
Protected evidence refers to material that is restricted from public disclosure, usually for privacy or security reasons, and may only be viewed within the court.
As the evidence review took up the remaining time, closing submissions were postponed to a later date.
Earlier this month, Shahil was convicted of possession of child pornography and cannabis use. He was sentenced to three years, one month and six days in prison on those charges.
Autopsy findings previously reported after the body was sent to India indicated that injuries were caused after death.
Shahil has denied the charges. Proceedings have been delayed at times due to his refusal to respond during hearings. He is now representing himself after earlier changes in legal counsel.
