Criminal Court allows trial for newborn abandoned in dump yard

Criminal Court ruled today that the case of a newborn found dead in a garbage yard on Alifu Dhaalu atoll's Dhigurah island will proceed in court.

The state is charging Sri Lankan national, Hiranya Kumudumali de Alvis, in the case. She is believed to have given birth to the child, placed the newborn in a plastic bag, and then thrown the baby to the island's garbage dump.

De Alvis was arrested while at the airport, attempting to flee the country.

Based on this, she is being charged with intentional murder of another person, and engaging in activities that would be detrimental to a child's health.

After reviewing the evidence provided by the state today from a civil standard, the court ruled that the case can be heard at the Criminal Court.

When provided the opportunity to present initial motions prior to the trial, the state said there were no motions to be submitted at the time. However, de Alvis' lawyers requested for more time to submit their motions.

Judge Ibrahim Ihusan reminded that no motion should be submitted to waste the court's time, and allowed until October 7 to submit their motions.

While the prosecution submitted DNA evidence in court today, de Alvis told the court that she has been in jail for the past 10 months and that she has had no help during her time in custody.

Judge Ihusan said trial hearings will commence in November and that they would take place continuously.

The judge also said any mutual agreements between both parties may be put forth at the court, and that it would reduce the number of witness statements required and help expedite the case.

Judge Ihusan also allowed the opportunity to enter a plea deal.