State intends to carry out Qasim’s trial in absentia
Case will be tried in absentia
MP Qasim Ibrahim in ADK
Criminal Court has ordered Jumhooree Party Leader Qasim Ibrahim to attend the hearings of the case filed against the Parliamentarian, at 8pm.
The Parliamentarian was admitted to ADK Hospital earlier on Sunday, for treatment for his worsening medical conditions.
The summons sent to the Parliamentarian said if he had failed to attend the hearings the case will be heard in absentia.
The hearings were initially scheduled for 10.30am but was cancelled as MP Qasim was admitted in ADK at around 9.00am. a subsequent hearing was set for 6.00om but was cancelled.
Criminal Procedures Act clause 125 (d) states that unless the defendant provides a substantial excuse, then he had deprived himself of the rights to attend hearings, give or refuse to give statements and to remain silent. However, Qasim’s lawyers had assured that they had notified the Court the Parliamentarian was admitted in the Hospital.
Qasim's legal team had, on Saturday, issued a statement noting that doctors at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) had advised for him to undergo surgery.
Noting that their client has been receiving treatment for a lung and heart condition for most of his life, the statement highlighted that his condition worsened after being held in police custody twice this year.
The team has requested the Criminal Court to lift the travel ban on Qasim, noting that the surgery is not available in the Maldives and that his life could be in danger if delayed.
