Former President Yameen skips court hearing, travels to Dhidhdhoo

Former President Abdulla Yameen traveled to Haa Alifu Atoll Dhidhdhoo today to attend an awards ceremony as guest of honor, despite being scheduled to appear before the Criminal Court in connection with money laundering and bribery charges.

The Criminal Court had set the hearing for 2:30 pm., but proceedings could not begin initially due to a power outage at the court.

Once power was restored, the hearing was canceled after Yameen failed to appear in court.

“...A hearing on the bribery and money laundering charges against former President Yameen was scheduled in the Criminal Court. However, the hearing was canceled due to the absence of the accused. The accused had not given a reasonable excuse to not appear in court, and leaving the island without the court’s permission while a hearing is scheduled may result in legal action,” the court said.

According to flight schedules, the plane Yameen is believed to have taken to Hanimaadhoo Airport departed at 2:50 p.m., meaning he would have been at the airport around the time he was expected in court.

Yameen is currently in Dhidhdhoo to attend the “Thilauthuru Award 2025” ceremony organized by the Haa Alifu Atoll Council.