Two suspects who were charged with murder seven years ago were found guilty of the crime this Sunday. The two were on trial for the murder of Ali Ziyadham, from Laamu atoll, Mundoo.

Ziyadham was stabbed to death using sharp object in March 2015.

Mohamed Shanoon and Ali Sifam, both of whom are from the same island, were charged with first degree murder. Two additional charges, including assault and intimidation, were brought against Shanoon; he was found guilty of both of these charges as well.

Even though the two suspects have been convicted of murder, the court will withhold rendering its decision until Ziyadham’s next of kin presents a statement. The court will take statements from the deceased’s family later.

According to Maldivian criminal procedures and Islamic Shariah principles, a death sentence cannot be imposed without the approval of all of the victim's surviving heirs.