Jailed Supreme Court judge Ali Hameed on Sunday broke down in court as he explained the reasons behind the landmark ruling on February 1.
When judge Hameed had denied the charges, the prosecution presented 32 witnesses against the defendant.
The island nation has been embroiled in fresh political turmoil after the Supreme Court on February 1 ordered the immediate release of jailed political leaders including self-exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed.
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on February 5 had declared state of emergency after his last ditch attempt to convince the top court to revoke the order failed, purged the Supreme Court by arresting two judges and the remaining political leaders and ultimately had the order revoked.
After prosecutors read out the terrorism charges, judge Hameed requested permission to speak but he was unable to stand due to ill-health. When the presiding judge gave permission to judge Hameed to speak while seated, he choked back tears as he explained the reasons behind the February 1 order.
Judge Hameed explained that the Supreme Court had been subject to intense criticism while many had questioned the trials of the jailed political leaders.
The re-trials were ordered because the Supreme Court bench had wished to ensure justice had been served, judge Hameed said. He also insisted that he had always been a loyal servant to the state and had not allowed his integrity to be compromised in any way.
The defence then had asked the prosecution as to why the remaining judges of the top court bench had not been investigated or charged when the February 1 order was unanimously signed by the full bench.
In response, the prosecution argued that no evidence of foul play or criminal intent had been found on the part of the other three judges.
When judge Hameed had denied the charges, the prosecution presented 32 witnesses against the defendant.
In addition to the terrorism charge, the top court judges who remain in custody under the state of emergency have also been charged with abuse of power to influence lower court judges.
