Malé, Maldives – Criminal Court of Maldives on Monday commenced the trial of Pakistani chef Mohamed Abid charged with the murder of Bangladeshi waiter by Shameem.
The prosecution has charged Abid with first-degree murder using a sharp object. If found guilty of the charges, Abid faces the death penalty. For attempted murder or complicity in murder, the defendant may receive a jail sentence of 15 to 25 years.
While the state is charging Abid with murder with intent to kill, the defence rejected this stating that the defendant was in a mentally confused state after suffering from a hit in the head by the victim.
The prosecution has prepared to present 18 witnesses and multiple exhibits as evidence.
The Pakistani man was arrested during a police manhunt after the discovery of dead Bangladeshi citizen with multiple stab wounds in their chest and head at popular restaurant Khanji located in Hulhumalé.
Criminal Court has scheduled the next hearing for the case on 8 August 2022.
