Death penalty issued to two men convicted in Udhayyu's murder case

The Criminal Court has issued death sentences to two men convicted in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Ahmed Udhayyu during a gang fight in GA. Maamendhoo.

The murder, which occurred in February 2021, was ruled as an intentional homicide committed by Ahmed Shaheem of Rihifarudhaage and Mohamed Mazin of Gulfaamge. Both were found guilty and sentenced to death today by the Criminal Court.

A third defendant in the case, Sharaf Rasheed of Bilehmaage, was not convicted of participating in the murder. Instead, he was found guilty of participating in the fight using a sharp object. Mazin was also convicted on the same charge in addition to the murder conviction.

According to the wishes of Udayyu’s heirs, who requested the death penalty, presiding judge Ali Nadheem sentenced Shaheem and Mazin to death. Additionally, Mazin received a 10-year prison sentence for his role in the assault involving a sharp weapon.

Sharaf was sentenced to 7 years in prison, with the time spent in police custody to be deducted from his sentence.

Before the sentencing, Udhayyu’s father expressed that he sought the death penalty in accordance with Islamic law, which he referred to as the maximum punishment. His mother, however, said she might have considered forgiveness had the defendants confessed to the crime. Despite facing pressure from others to forgive, she said she could not forget the night her son was brutally murdered.

She recalled chilling words allegedly spoken by Mazin after the killing: “I’m the king.”

When the judge reminded her that the decision was hers to make, free from outside influence, she reaffirmed her wish for capital punishment. “I just want their death for my son’s death. I want a soul for the soul of my son,” she said.

When given a chance to speak, both Shaheem and Mazin denied doing anything that could have harmed Udhayyu. After their statements, the judge again asked the victim's parents if they wished to reconsider their demand for the death penalty, but they stood by their original decision.

The prosecution supported the death penalty, stating that the defendants showed no remorse. They noted that the accused were celebrating while Udayyu was being rushed to the hospital with critical injuries.

In response, the defense lawyer representing both Shaheem and Mazin argued that the court had not adequately informed the victim’s parents about the details of the case, including the defendants’ level of involvement, the nature of the death penalty, and their right to pardon.

Regarding Sharaf, the prosecution sought a 10-year sentence for assault with a sharp weapon. However, his lawyer requested a more lenient sentence, citing his cooperation during the investigation and trial.

Separately, a 17-year-old previously convicted in Juvenile Court in connection with Udhayyu’s murder has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The death sentences will only be carried out after all stages of the appeals process are completed.