Criminal Court Issues Warning to Yameen Over Failure to Appear at Hearing
Former President Abdulla Yameen speaks at the Thila Uthuru Awards ceremony held in Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo on Monday night.
The Criminal Court has issued a warning to former President Abdulla Yameen after he failed to attend a scheduled hearing in his ongoing trial over allegations of money laundering and accepting bribes.
Yameen had informed the court that he would be travelling to Haa Alifu Dhidhdhoo and requested to attend the session online. However, in a statement sent to the media, the Criminal Court said that defendants are required to be physically present unless a valid reason is approved in advance. The court cautioned that failing to appear without authorisation or leaving the island where the court is located could result in legal action against the accused.
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The hearing, which had been scheduled for yesterday, was later cancelled due to Yameen’s absence.
“A session regarding the bribery and money laundering accusations against President Yameen was set at the Criminal Court. However, the session was called off because the defendant did not attend. Not appearing in court without a valid reason and leaving the island where the court is situated without permission from the court will lead to legal proceedings against the accused,” the court’s statement read.
Yameen travelled to Dhidhdhoo to attend the Atoll Council Awards 2025 as an honoured guest. Speaking at the Thila Uthuru Awards ceremony held last night, he said his attendance was not political. However, he noted that the visit became politicised upon his arrival on the island.
“I now understand from the reception I received in Dhidhdhoo today why my political opponents are keeping me imprisoned, restricting my movements, and preventing me from visiting certain places,” Yameen said.
