Yameen’s defense requests ACP Riyaz to testify in Fuggiri case

The defense team of former President Abdulla Yameen has requested that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mohamed Riyaz to testify in Yameen’s trial over the corruption charges raised against him in the Raa Atoll Fuggiri lease transaction.

Yameen faces charges of accepting USD 1 million in bribes and laundering the funds in connection with the lease deal. The trial has concluded the witness statement stage and is now moving into discussions on evidence.

At a hearing today, Yameen’s lawyers said an audio recording emerged during the investigation suggesting that ACP Riyaz may have influenced Ahmed “Krik” Riza, a co-accused in the case. The defense argued that Riyaz’s testimony is critical before the court examines other evidence.

Yameen also raised concerns over aspects of the police investigation, claiming he had entered into a plea agreement with former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, granting him concessions.

The prosecution said it required time to challenge the admissibility of the audio recording and Riyaz’s testimony.

Judge Ali Nadeem decided to allow Riyaz to be produced and review submissions regarding the audio before making a decision. The hearing was adjourned without further proceedings.

In addition to the Fuggiri case, Yameen is facing charges in the Vaavu Aarah case. He and former MP Yoosuf Naeem were previously sentenced to jail by the Criminal Court, but the High Court quashed the sentence and ordered a retrial. The prosecution has appealed to the Supreme Court, which has scheduled a hearing next week.