Bassam appears in court, no prison uniform

Former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) president Bassam Adeel Jaleel appeared in court today in normal clothes after refusing to wear the prison uniform, the Criminal Court said.

A hearing on fraud and money laundering charges related to the alleged purchase of a penthouse using laundered FAM funds had been scheduled for 8:15 am but was initially delayed because Bassam refused to leave his cell when Correctional Service officers attempted to bring him in handcuffs and prison attire.

This is the standard procedure for prisoners appearing in court.

By 11:00 am, Bassam was brought to court in civilian clothing. The court took no action against him for refusing to wear the prison uniform.

Today's hearing was set to include testimony from former FAM Financial Department Head Mohamed Ageel, who did not appear. The court ordered his arrest and production in court tomorrow.

Bassam also told the court that he was having difficulty meeting with his lawyers. The court directed the Correctional Service to facilitate meetings between Bassam and his legal team.

Bassam is serving a nine year prison sentence for money laundering and faces additional fraud and money laundering charges related to the alleged embezzlement of USD 1.2 million (over MVR 18 million) in FIFA funds.

His lawyers have argued that FIFA’s permission is required to investigate the case, but the judge ruled it could proceed.

The prosecution is also pursuing separate cases against other former FAM officials and Amin Construction Company.

A penthouse purchased by Bassam on Amin Avenue in Hulhumale' has been seized by police since last year.