Criminal Court reconvicts Samah in Kaashidhoo police murder after Supreme Court‑ordered retrial

Mohamed Samah, Suvaasaage, K. Kaashidhoo.

The Criminal Court has reached a significant verdict in the long-standing case regarding the death of Sergeant Adam Haleem, who was killed in 2012 while serving in K. Kaashidhoo. Following a rigorous retrial mandated by the Supreme Court of the Maldives, the court has found Mohamed Samah guilty of the murder. This decision marks a pivotal moment in a case that has spanned over a decade, involving initial convictions, appellate challenges, and a critical reassessment of evidentiary standards in the Maldivian judicial system. The sentencing phase, which will determine the final legal consequences for the defendant, is expected to occur in the coming days, concluding a complex chapter of legal proceedings.

Mohamed Samah has been found guilty in a retrial for the 2012 murder of Sergeant Adam Haleem.
The Supreme Court previously overturned the initial conviction to ensure that evidence beyond mere confession was properly evaluated.
The case stems from an incident in K. Kaashidhoo where the officer was attacked during an attempt to escort the suspect back to the station.
The defense continues to argue that the attack lacked fatal intent, while the court has once again ruled in favor of a murder conviction.
Sentencing for the defendant is scheduled to take place within the week.

The Criminal Court has once again found Mohamed Samah guilty of murdering a police officer in K. Kaashidhoo, following a retrial ordered by the Supreme Court.

The case concerns the 2012 killing of Sergeant Adam Haleem, who was serving in Kaashidhoo at the time. Samah, a local resident, was initially convicted and sentenced to death in 2013. The High Court upheld the verdict, but the Supreme Court later ruled that the case must be reheard.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Husnu Al‑Suood, former Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Justice Aishath Shujoon Mohamed, former Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir and Justice Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, held that a conviction cannot rely solely on a confession unless the statements are proven beyond reasonable doubt. The court noted that even though Samah admitted to the assault, he claimed he did not intend to kill the officer.

The bench instructed the Criminal Court to conduct a full retrial and determine whether evidence existed beyond Samah’s confession. With the retrial now complete, the Criminal Court has again found Samah guilty. His sentencing is expected later this week.

According to police, Sergeant Haleem was attacked while attempting to escort Samah to the police station, as Samah had violated house arrest conditions. Samah’s defence maintains that the attack was not intended to be fatal.

By Azhaar Abdul Azeez

Writer