The Criminal Court has recorded the witness statements of some employees working in the Tourism Ministry's legal section to determine how islands are leased for tourism purposes through Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). The statements were recorded on Thursday in a hearing held at the court regarding the sale of V. Aarah.
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has been charged with accepting bribes and money laundering in relation to the sale of Aarah island for tourism purposes. Former Felidhoo MP Yoosuf Naeem is also accused alongside Yameen and has been charged with bribery.
A legal representative of the Tourism Ministry was produced before the court on Thursday to prove the charges filed by the prosecution. He explained in detail the process of leasing islands.
His testimony was based on the process followed in leasing islands in 2014 and 2015. He said if the ministry wished to include a particular in the ministry's register for tourism purposes, it was included in the register by requesting the President's Office. A particular island can be included in the register only when the President allows it, he said.
Under the lease agreement between the MMPRC and the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry will then submit an offer letter to the company involved in the prospective lease. The letter also specifies the acquisition cost, he said. He testified that the cost is determined by the Tourism Minister, and the islands are leased by the Tourism Minister and MMPRC's MD Abdulla Ziyath. The acquisition cost is paid to MMPRC, he said.
The witness further said that although Aarah was among the islands leased at the time, he was unaware of the process followed in leasing the island. He said he was on leave at the time and therefore did not know information regarding the sale.
The defense did not cross-examine the witness as he was on leave at the time of the lease.
The statement of one witness is recorded per hearing. Three witnesses have testified thus far.
The prosecution has presented 12 oral witnesses in the case. The next hearing will be held on August 1 at 9:30 am.
