Maldives has sought assistance from Interpol in the murder case of a Sri Lankan chef at Dhaalu Atoll Ellaidhoo Resort, as key witnesses in the case have left the country.
Maldives has sought assistance from Interpol in the murder case of a Sri Lankan chef at Dhaalu Atoll Ellaidhoo Resort, as key witnesses in the case have left the country.
Sri Lankan national Jayalath Kodiarchige Janaka Prasanna Perera has been charged with the 2019 murder of the chef. He faces charges of intentional homicide, stabbing the victim to death.
During today's Criminal Court hearing, Judge Ibrahim Ihusaan said that the prosecution had previously informed the court it was attempting to locate key witnesses who had left the Maldives. However, no updates on their whereabouts have been provided thus far.
In response, the prosecution explained that the witnesses are Sri Lankan nationals whose whereabouts are currently unknown. They sought Interpol’s assistance late last month but have not yet received any information regarding the witnesses.
Judge Ihusaan said that the accused has been in custody for over five years, and the witnesses cannot be given an indefinite opportunity to appear. He said that the court should informed of the witnesses' whereabouts before a hearing scheduled for early next month. He added that no further extensions would be granted to procure them.
A witness who was present at the resort with Jayalath at the time of the incident testified in court today. Additionally, the testimony of a police officer and the person who prepared the medico-legal report is still pending.
This is the first time the Maldives has sought Interpol’s help to locate witnesses in a court case. The country has previously sought Interpol's assistance in tracking down criminal suspects and missing persons.
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