The Amran Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Abdul-Aziz Al-Abdi who is accused in the murder of Masha al-Nahari, a Yemeni Jew. The trial will resume on February 16, 2008 when the court will hear final arguments and receive a medical report on al-Abdi.
Lawyer Mohammed Allawo along with representatives of the Allawo law firm which is representing Masha's family, attended the hearing.
The forensic report issued by the prosecution asserted that al-Abdi suffers from paranoia and hallucinations. The Allawo lawyers argued on behalf of the family that the medical report on the assailant was signed anonymously by a forensic appointed by the General Prosecution. Moreover, the report does not clarify al-Abdi's mental state at the time of murder. The family’s lawyers also demanded that final arguments be heard in the upcoming session.
Masha was a 35-year-old teacher and religious leader in the Jewish community of Raida in Amran. He was murdered on Dec. 11, 2008 in a market in the city of Rida- Sna'a in broad day light. Abdul-Aziz Al-Abdi confessed to the murder. Al-Abdi is a retired air force pilot with a master’s degree in electrical aviation machinery.
Masha Nahari, the father of nine, was shot dead after the alleged murderer called on him to convert to Islam, indicating the murder was a premeditated act.
The assailant confessed to the murder and that a month prior to the shooting, he told
Raida’s Jewish community that they could either convert or leave Yemen. Otherwise they would face death, Al-Abdi threatened.
In the aftermath of Masha’s murder, the Jewish community has been subjected to repeated harassment, threats and assaults.
HOOD held a press conference on February 3, attended by a number of Masha's relatives- his father, his wife, his young son and others. Masha’s anguished father Yaish beseeched the state to apply God’s justice in the case of his murdered son," I want justice. I want Mohamed Bin Abdullah’s sharia".

Editor: Jane Novak