Criminal Court Sets Schedule for Yameen’s Trial

The Criminal Court has scheduled the hearings for the trial of former President Abdullah Yameen, who faces charges of corruption in the leasing of R.Fuggiri. The hearings will take place every two days until mid-July.

Yameen, who is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for accepting bribes and engaging in money laundering, is accused of laundering USD 1.1 million in bribes in connection with the lease of the island. 

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Following the Eid holidays, the Criminal Court has scheduled a series of hearings, beginning on the second day of the following month. The trial dates for Yameen have been set for the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, and 13th of next month.

Once the testimonies have been presented, they will be deliberated upon and a summary statement will be heard. The case will then proceed to the verdict. The Criminal Court has scheduled these hearings while the appeal against Yameen’s 11-year prison sentence for bribery and money laundering in another island case is still pending in the High Court. A hearing for the appeal is scheduled for the 3rd of the following month, following the Eid holidays.

Yameen has expressed a desire for the appeal hearing to be expedited, as it will have a significant impact on his eligibility to participate in the upcoming presidential election. Consequently, the opposition Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPP) is also urging for the conclusion of the appeal hearings to ensure the opportunity to contest the elections.

While it has not been officially confirmed, it is speculated that the three judges presiding over Yameen’s case will go on leave in July. If it happens, the case will not reach a verdict before the upcoming election, hindering any possibility of participation.