Criminal Court of the Maldives tabled a hearing of the ongoing trial against former President Abdulla Yameen on graft charges, for coming Saturday, September 10, 2022.
The former head of state is tried for his alleged graft and bribery acceptance in the lease of Vaavu atoll Aarah. He is also charged with one account of money laundering tied to the case.
Following cancellation of Thursday's hearing, prosecution requested to expedite the proceedings. While the court confirmed the hearing during upcoming weekend, it had not disclosed the time.
Prosecution requested expediting the next hearing date owing to current proceedings. The trial has entered adduction of defense witnesses. Prosecution in its argument claimed any delays may result in collusion among witnesses.
The prosecution had previously, urged adducing defense witnesses during the same hearing due to the aforementioned reason. The presiding judge of the case Justice Ahmed Shakeel however, decided on summoning a single witnesses to assess proceedings and decide afterwards on the adduction approach.
During Wednesday's hearing, court adduced the testimony of Male' City's deputy mayor Ahmed Nareesh. The deputy mayor is politically aligned with main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), of which Yameen is currently the leader.
Thursday's hearing would have adduced further witness testimonies, was cancelled after it was confirmed the defendant was unwell.
Sign In