The Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on February 13 regarding the appeal of Mariyam Nazaha, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for the 2010 murder of her ex-husband, Hassan Shahid.
Background of the Case
In 2011, the Criminal Court convicted Nazaha for fatally stabbing Shahid at her residence in Malé. The court imposed a life sentence of 25 years and mandated a two-month fast for repentance. Nazaha avoided the death penalty as not all of Shahid’s heirs demanded it, a requirement under Islamic Sharia law.
Appeal Journey
Nazaha first appealed the conviction in 2015, but the High Court upheld the original verdict. Six years later, in 2021, she escalated her appeal to the Supreme Court, citing domestic violence-induced trauma as a significant factor in her actions. She argued that previous legislative frameworks were less favorable to her defense and that her circumstances warranted reconsideration.
Supreme Court Proceedings
The Supreme Court concluded hearings on the appeal on September 21, 2022. During these sessions, the prosecution emphasized Nazaha’s admission of fully inserting the knife into Shahid’s spine, asserting the act was intentional.
Awaiting the Verdict
The upcoming verdict will determine whether Nazaha’s sentence will be upheld, reduced, or if a retrial will be ordered. This case has garnered significant public attention, highlighting issues related to domestic violence and the legal defenses available to abuse survivors in the Maldivian judicial system.
