Faris' appeal case: sentencing hearing cancelled without explanation
Arrested on July 18, Criminal Court has ruled to keep him detailed till end of trial
MP for Dhiggaru constituency Ahmed Faris Maumoon
High Court has cancelled Sunday's appeal hearing of Dhiggaru constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon's arrest and subsequent remand.
While the Court was to make a ruling at Sunday's hearing, which was scheduled for 10:30 am, no reason was given for the cancellation.
While Faris was arrested on July 18, the Criminal Court had, during his remand hearing the next day, ruled to keep him in custody until his trial concludes.
The lawmaker is charged with offering bribes to his fellow lawmakers, in order to get the required 42 signatures to submit the no-confidence motion against Parliament speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed.
The last hearing in the case was held on 9th August, with the Court announcing that a verdict will be reached at the next hearing.
Faris' legal team noted a number of violations by authorities; including failure to take him to the closest police station, despite it being stated in the Criminal Procedure Act. Officers had instead taken him straight to Dhoonidhoo Detention Center.
In addition, the team also submitted the documents issued by the Court, when releasing Ahmed Shafiu, who was also arrested over the same matter. On 9th July, the Criminal Court ruled that it did not have enough evidence to keep him detained.
In addition, MP Faris is on trial on identity theft charges for the alleged illegal use of the logo and flag of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
Last week, Faris' father, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom expressed concern over his continued detention "for over a month", calling the Parliament, Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) and the international community 'insincere'.
