The Criminal Court on Monday granted former President of the Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom five days to submit evidence as a defense for two charges raised against him.
The State raised money laundering and bribery against the former President, as he is suspected of having deposited funds from the sale of V. Aarah to his personal account and laundered the funds. Former Felidhoo MP Yoosuf Naeem is also being tried alongside Yameen on bribery charges. The trial began at the Criminal Court on January 2.
A hearing was held on Monday, where the defense was given the opportunity to present their evidence. However, both Yameen and Naeem requested additional time as they had not received necessary documentation. Therefore, presiding Judge Ahmed Shakeel granted them five days to submit the evidence in writing.
The prosecution presented their evidence in court during Monday's hearing. However, it was not explained during the hearing.
During the hearing, President Yameen's lead counsel, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, reiterated the defense's request to Livestream the trial. The judge said once the preliminary stage of the trial is completed, he hoped to Livestream the hearings.
The next hearing for the case has been scheduled for March 31. The defense's evidence will be presented on that date, and it will be assessed whether the case can be continued in a civil court.
The State claims the Yameen, in his capacity as the President, accepted a bribe of USD one million from Yoosuf Nameem for leasing Aarah for resort development through Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), and laundered the funds. However, both Yameen and Naeem have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
