Top court to issue verdict regarding ex-Pres. Yameen's bail on Tuesday
There were two submissions regarding release on bail and request for stay order on sentence
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom
The Supreme Court is to issue a verdict in the case of incarcerated Former President Abdulla Yameen's request to release him on bail and delay the execution of his money laundering sentence, on Tuesday.
During the hearing held at the top court on Monday, deliberations were held regarding the reasons behind Yameen’s request to issue a stay order on his money laundering sentence as well as the release him on bail.
The defendant’s lawyers noted that the state does not stand to face any losses should his request be approved, to which the state attorneys objected.
The decision on Yameen’s appeal was initially set for Monday’s hearing, however, presiding justice Mahaz Ali Zahir scheduled an additional hearing to allow both the defendant and state more time to present closing statements.
A decision regarding the new evidence presented by the defendant’s lawyers in connection to the case of money laundering, is also to be issued on Tuesday.
Yameen was sentenced to five years in prison on 28 November 2019, after being found guilty of laundering USD one million through state-owned MMPRC via a private company, Scores of Flair, during his presidential tenure. He was also given a fine totaling USD five million, along with the jail sentence, to be settled within six months. Yameen appealed the conviction with the High Court, which ruled to uphold the Criminal Court’s decision, in January this year.
This was followed by Yameen appealing the case at the Supreme Court, with 22 appeal points.
Justices presiding over the case are Mahaz, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim.
