Shah Alom Mia (Salim), a Bangladeshi national sentenced to death for the murder of Maldivian businessman Mahmood Abubakuru, has requested that his death sentence be upheld, amidst a backdrop of conflicting statements and appeals for leniency.
This case marks a historic first, as Salim becomes the first foreigner to face capital punishment in the Maldives following his conviction for the brutal murder and attempted disposal of Mahmood’s body in Dhangethi of Alifu Dhaalu Atoll in October 2021.
Despite the gravity of his sentence, Salim’s legal journey has been fraught with complexities. Initially not filing an appeal against his death sentence, the state intervened, prompting the High Court to review the sentence’s validity.
Throughout the proceedings, Salim presented a series of contradictory pleas, ranging from requests for leniency based on his cooperation during the investigation and trial to declarations that he did not wish for further legal representation or trials, highlighting a profound sense of resignation and despair.
Salim’s interactions with the court have underscored significant communication barriers and alleged deprivation of fundamental rights, including claims of being forced to admit to crimes he did not commit and misunderstandings regarding his sentence due to language barriers.
These assertions bring into sharp focus the challenges faced by foreign nationals in legal systems abroad, particularly in cases carrying the death penalty.
The state’s stance remains unyielded, advocating for the execution of the death penalty in alignment with Islamic Shariah and the wishes of the victim’s family, arguing that Salim had confessed to his crimes with all rights guaranteed, including access to an interpreter and legal counsel.
As the High Court deliberates, the case of Shah Alom Mia stands as a poignant testament to the complexities of justice, the nuances of legal representation in capital cases, and the profound human emotions entangled within the machinery of law.
The final decision by the High Court will be handed down at the next hearing.
