Attorneys for the schoolgirl accused of setting the fire to the Mahdia School Dormitory on May 21, which claimed the lives of 20 children; are contending that there is no evidence to support the murder charges she faces.
Against this background, they are calling for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the matter against their client with the aim of having all the charges against her withdrawn.
In a letter dated August 3rd, 2023 to DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack SC, lead attorney on the case, Dexter Todd, signalled his intention to proceed with civil action if the DPP fails to withdraw the charges.
In the letter released to the press, Todd said that the offence of murder requires two elements to be proved—the actus reus (the physical element)—and the mens rea (the mental element).