The High Court has scheduled the hearing for appeals against the sentence of former President Abdulla Yameen and former Fulidhoo MP Yoosuf Naeem for Wednesday, June 5.
Former President Yameen, who is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for convictions related to accepting bribes and money laundering, had previously requested an expedited trial from the court.
The expedited trial holds significant importance for Yameen as it will determine his eligibility to participate in the upcoming presidential election. The opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has been advocating for a swift resolution to the case, hoping to secure Yameen's possibility of contesting the elections.
The deadline to nominate candidates for the presidential election is set for August 3.
Conviction in a criminal case will disqualify individuals from participating in elections.
Opposition parties have accused the government of exerting influence over High Court judges to intentionally take leave, thereby prolonging the appeal process and preventing the former President from contesting. However, one of the judges assigned to Yameen's case had already planned their leave well in advance, as early as from the previous year.
Yameen is currently facing additional charges of corruption in connection with the leasing of Raa atoll Fuggiri, a case currently under consideration at the Criminal Court. Several hearings have been slated for July 6, 9, 11 and 13.
Yameen faces charges in the Fuggiri case for allegedly accepting USD 1.1 million in bribes in connection with the island's lease and subsequently laundering the funds. In addition to Yameen, Sun Construction Company, Sun Investment Company, and Ahmed "Krik" Riza are also charged in the case.
Yameen had previously received a five-year prison sentence for corruption related to the lease of Gaafu Alif atoll Vodumula. While the High Court had upheld the verdict issued by the Criminal Court, the Supreme Court had later overturned the ruling.
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