Criminal Court on Thursday has proceeded with the hearing of both Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and top-court judge Ali Hameed for the prosecution of their attempt at hindering a constitutional duty, discreetly.
While their hearing proceeded discreetly it has not been revealed by any relevant authority the reason behind it. However former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's case of attempting to intervene judicial conduct proceeded openly.
All three are also charged with terrorism by the state for their alleged involvement to overthrow the current government.
Following the Supreme Court order on February 1 to release nine political prisoners including former president Mohamed Nasheed, the state engaged in strong attempts to avert the apex court's ruling. However after failing to convince the top court judges bench, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared a state of emergency on February 5 and immediately commanded local authorities to breach and take command of Maldives Supreme Court.
Shortly after the emergency proclamation both chief justice along with top-court judge Ali Hameed was arrested by officers of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was placed under arrest the same night as well.
With several criminal offenses alleged on them both chief justice and top-court judge Hameed have been suspended from their jobs as well as their salaries.
