Former President of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has requested the Supreme Court to shorten the duration of his hearings.
Yameen is currenly serving a five-year sentence after being found guilty of laundering in November 2018. He was also ordered to pay USD 5 million to the state over six months. The Criminal Court's verdict was upheld by the High Court, and the matter is now being appealed at the Supreme Court. The appeal proceedings began at the top court last week.
A hearing was held at the Supreme Court on Thursday, divided over two sessions. The first session was held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm while the second session was from 01:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
Speaking at Thursday's hearing, Yameen said his back has medical issues which make it difficult for him to sit in one place for long periods. When Judge Ali Mahaz inquired what would be an appropriate timing for his hearings, President Yameen requested the court to hold one session per day instead of two, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The judge then requested him to submit doctor's documents which state his condition, and said the court will reach a decision on the matter after that.
