The Criminal Court has scheduled hearings for the cases against former President Abdullah Yameen regarding the Vaavu Aarah issue and the Raa Fuggiri issue.
The Criminal Court has scheduled hearings for the cases against former President Abdullah Yameen regarding the Vaavu Aarah issue and the Raa Fuggiri issue.
In the Fuggiri case, Yameen is accused of accepting a bribe of one million dollars through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) for leasing the island, and laundering that money. In the Vaavu Aarah case, charges are also being brought against him in connection with the leasing transaction. Previously, the High Court had overturned Yameen's 11-year jail sentence in the Aarah case and ordered a retrial.
The Criminal Court stated that the trial for the Fuggiri case has been scheduled for next Tuesday, while the trial for the Aarah case has been set for next Wednesday. Both cases will be presided over by Judge Ali Nadeem.
Although the High Court overturned the jail sentences of Yameen and former Member of Parliament for Felidhoo constituency, Yoosuf Naeem, in the Aarah case and ordered a retrial, the Fuggiri case has remained stalled in the Criminal Court until now.
While scheduling the trial for the Aarah case, the state has appealed to the Supreme Court in regards to the High Court's order for a retrial. However, the Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to accept this appeal case.