Thulhaadhoo infanticide trial begins

Trial of Fariha Abdul Rahman, suspected of killing her child after birth in B. Thulhaadhoo began on Monday.

Fariha has been charged with three offenses; committing an act that shows disrespect for human life, carelessness leading to death of a person, and neglecting children and not fulfilling responsibility of taking care of children.

All three charges were read during the first hearing.

State prosecutor said that Fariha gave birth in the bathroom of Dhonvelige – where she lived – during the late hours of July 27, 2015. Prosecutor said that she sprayed the bathroom floor with water, went out, came back in and threw the infant into the drain.

Judge presiding over the case – Judge Ibrahim Ali - announced that Fariha would be kept under arrest until end of trial.

When asked how she pleaded to the charges, Fariha said that she wanted to continue with the rest of the trial with the help of a lawyer.

Judge Ibrahim Ali granted seven days for Fariha to arrange for a lawyer.