Samah files appeal challenging latest verdict in retrial over Sergeant Haleem’s killing

The Criminal Court has examined the 2012 stabbing death of a police officer in Kaashidhoo twice and convicted Mohamed Samah on both occasions, and he has now appealed the latest verdict to the High Court.

The case concerns the murder of Sergeant Adam Haleem, who was serving in Kaashidhoo at the time. Samah, a local resident, was first convicted and sentenced to death in 2013. The High Court upheld the ruling, but the Supreme Court later ordered a retrial.

The Supreme Court held that the case must be reheard because a conviction, especially one carrying the death penalty, cannot rely solely on a confession unless the statements are proven beyond reasonable doubt. Delivering the judgment, then‑Justice Husnu Al‑Suood noted that this principle aligns with how the Holy Prophet handled similar matters. Samah admitted to stabbing Haleem but maintained that he did not intend to kill him.

A five‑judge bench ruled that the case should return to the Criminal Court to determine whether evidence existed beyond Samah’s confession. Following the retrial, Samah was again found guilty and sentenced to death, a verdict issued last April.

According to the High Court registry, Samah has now appealed the conviction.

Police said Samah attacked Sergeant Haleem while he was under house arrest, after Haleem attempted to escort him to the police station. Samah’s defence maintains that the attack was not intended to be fatal.