Life sentences justified against two accused in Yameen murder: State

The State has asserted in High Court that the life sentences given to two individuals involved in the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed are justified.

In April 2017, the state charged H. Annaarumage Ismail Haisham Rasheed, M. Erasmikuge Ahmed Zihan Ismail, G.Dh Gahdhoo Sindhubaadhuge Mohamed Dhifran, M.Kudhehige Hassan Shifaz, M.Thaaif Ismail Rasheed, and M.Kolhufushi East Hussain Ziyad in connection with Yameen's murder. Haisham and Zihan were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022.

During today's appeal hearing, the state acknowledged that while there are suspicions about the involvement of a witness who testified against them, there was nothing to indicate this in the statements they provided. The lower court also noted this. As such, the State's stand is that there are no reasons why their witness statements cannot be allowed in court.

The prosecution highlighted that video footage showed the camera in the stairwell of Yameen's residence being moved. A fingerprint taken from the camera matched Haisham's fingerprint. Although the lower court questioned the fingerprinting procedure, it ultimately found no issues with the fingerprint's validity.

Furthermore, despite the defense's challenge to the credibility of the police officer who prepared the video analysis report, the fact that the officer was employed by the police department is not considered a reason to doubt his testimony.

Considering these points, the state appealed to the High Court to uphold the life sentences passed on Haisham and Zihan.

The bench announced that it would hold a further hearing on the case at a later date.

The High Court panel includes Justice Hassan Shafeeu, Justice Fathimath Farheeza, and Justice Abdul Maniu Hussein, with Justice Shafeeu presiding over the bench.

The lower court acquitted the other individuals involved in the case. The prosecution has appealed this decision regarding Dhifran and Ismail Rasheed at the High Court.