The State has presented evidence in the Criminal Court alleging that Naeema Moosa was murdered due to suspicions that she practiced sorcery.
Naeema, a resident of Manadhoo in Noonu Atoll, was discovered in her home with fatal knife wounds in April last year. The case involves three suspects from the same island: Abdul Wahid Rifaas of Finifenmaage, Ahuzam AbduShukoor of Fehivilaage, and Hassan Fawaz of Vinares. They face charges including murder with a sharp object, obstruction of justice, and abuse of a corpse.
Evidence Presented Against Fawaz
During the hearing, the State outlined evidence implicating Fawaz as the mastermind behind the murder. According to the prosecution, Fawaz orchestrated the attack based on his belief that Naeema practiced sorcery. The State also claimed that this suspicion was widely circulated among Manadhoo residents, further fueling the motive.
Key evidence includes:
- Statements from Rifaas and Ahuzam alleging Fawaz planned the crime and led them to Naeema’s residence.
- Testimony that Fawaz transported the perpetrators to and from the crime scene in his vehicle.
- Details of efforts to destroy and bury items used in the murder, with weapons and tools later recovered by police.
- Video footage documenting the recovery of these items, which bore Naeema’s DNA.
Conflicting Accounts
Rifaas and Ahuzam initially confessed to the murder during the investigation, detailing their roles and providing information that led to Fawaz’s arrest in Malé. However, both retracted their confessions in court, and Fawaz has denied all charges.
Despite this, the State submitted the initial confessions and corroborating evidence, maintaining that the murder was premeditated and carried out as described.
Background and Police Findings
The police previously stated that no evidence had been found to substantiate claims that Naeema engaged in sorcery. However, rumors about her alleged practices were prevalent in the community and are cited as the driving force behind the crime.
The Court has allowed both the prosecution and defense to make further submissions before proceeding with the trial. Separate hearings have been held for the charges against each accused.
