Shaifan appeals death sentence with Supreme Court

Mohamed Shaifan, convicted of murdering Ali Shifan, has filed for appeal of his death sentence with Supreme Court.

Ali Shifan was stabbed to death in front of West Park at approximately 4:40 pm, April 1, 2012, after being cornered by a group of men in four motorbikes.

Shaifan was originally cleared of the charge by Criminal Court, but was sentenced to death for the murder upon appeal by High Court on May 10, 2016.

Shaifan has become the first death row inmate to appeal his death sentence with Supreme Court – the last stage of appeal. Previous murder convictions had been appealed with Supreme Court by the State.

The other two suspects charged in the case; Abdulla Thilmeez and Mohamed Mishan Abdul Haadhee walked free after High Court upheld the Criminal Court ruling that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove their guilt in the case.

Shaifan’s conviction marked the first time in history for High Court to overturn a “not guilty” verdict made by Criminal Court in a murder case.

All members of the panel of judges who oversaw the appeal ruled Shaifan was guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the murder of Shifan.