The three year old found dead in his own home with horrific injuries had died due to strangulation, a doctor testified in court on Monday.
He also noted that Ibthihaal had suffered multiple rib fractures but said there were no other injuries.
His mother, Afiya Mohamed had been arrested in connection to her son’s death and has been charged with first degree murder.
During Monday's hearing, the prosecution had produced the doctor who had examined Ibthihaal as its first witness.
The doctor testified that the victim had been strangled and bled into his abdomen.
He also noted that Ibthihaal had suffered multiple rib fractures but said there were no other injuries.
His mother turned down the chance to cross examine the prosecution witness after once again refusing to appoint an attorney to defend her. The prosecution however, had informed the court that the the state had arranged a defence attorney for the mother.
Ibthihaal's death had grabbed the attention of the entire island nation and had sparked public outrage after state institutions were accused of failing to protect Ibthihaal and abuse victims.
Ismail Rauf, Ibthihaal’s grandfather has also been charged in a separate case of incest.
Rauf is reported to have sexually and physically abused both Afiya and Ibthihaal.
