High Court Sets Date for Yameen’s Case Hearing

Former President Abdullah Yameen and former Felidhoo MP Yoosuf Naeem, seeking to overturn their convictions, are scheduled for an appeal hearing on Wednesday in the High Court.

Yameen, who is currently serving an 11-year jail sentence for accepting bribes and money laundering, had previously requested an expedited trial. This upcoming trial holds significant importance for Yameen, as his ability to participate in the next presidential election depends on the outcome. 

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The deadline for candidate nominations for the presidential election is set for the 3rd of next month, and a criminal conviction serves as a disqualification for running for office.

Claims have been made by the opposition, alleging that the government has pressured High Court judges to take leave as a means to delay the appeal, thereby preventing Yameen from contesting the election. However, it has been discovered that one of the judges assigned to Yameen’s case had taken leave last year for unrelated reasons.

In addition to the ongoing appeal, Yameen is also facing corruption charges in the lease of Fuggiri, for which a hearing is scheduled tomorrow. Further hearings for the case are set for the 6th, 9th, 11th, and 13th of this month.

The charges against Yameen include the acceptance of $1.1 million in bribes and involvement in money laundering. Co-defendants in the case include Sun Construction Company, Sun Investment Company, and Kurik Riza.

Previously, Yameen was sentenced to five years in prison for corruption in the GA.Vodamulla lease. The High Court had initially upheld the verdict from the Criminal Court, but it was later overturned by the Supreme Court.