Shiaau murder suspect reapplies to appeal prison sentence

Ali Sahil, who was sentenced to three years, one month and six days in prison on charges of possessing pornography and consuming cannabis, has filed a fresh application with the High Court to appeal his conviction.

Sahil was arrested on 6 August 2022 after 22-year-old Shiaau Mohamed Saeed was found dead inside a ninth-floor apartment at H. Sheereenvilla in Malé. He was residing in a room in the apartment at the time of the incident.

Following the investigation, prosecutors charged Sahil with intentional murder using a sharp object, possession of pornography, cannabis consumption and two additional offences that have not been publicly disclosed.

Last April, the Criminal Court convicted him of possession of pornography and cannabis consumption, sentencing him to three years, one month and six days in prison.

His legal team previously sought to appeal the sentence, but the High Court rejected the application because the required documentation was incomplete.

Sahil submitted a new appeal on Thursday. The High Court has not yet decided whether to accept the case.

Proceedings on the remaining charges, including the murder charge, have reached the closing submissions stage. Those hearings are being held behind closed doors.

Sahil has denied all charges against him.

The case has been delayed on several occasions after Sahil declined to communicate with lawyers appointed to represent him. Although the state assigned multiple defence lawyers during the proceedings, the arrangement was later discontinued because of his continued refusal to cooperate.

According to the preliminary post-mortem examination conducted in India, Shiaau's body had sustained extensive injuries and was mutilated after her death.