Verdict on new evidence in Aarah case scheduled for next month
The state has appealed to the Supreme Court regarding the High Court's decision to reject new evidence submitted during the appeal of former President Yameen’s 11-year prison sentence in the V. Aarash case, which was subsequently overturned; the apex court has now scheduled the verdict for this matter on the first of next month.
Former President Abdulla Yameen speaking to press. | Raajje MV
The Supreme Court has scheduled a ruling for the 1st of next month regarding the state's appeal to admit new evidence against former President Abdulla Yameen in the V. Aarash bribery and money laundering case. The appeal follows the High Court's decision to overturn Yameen's 11-year prison sentence and order a retrial of the matter.
According to the Supreme Court schedule, the verdict in the state's case against Yameen is set to be delivered at 09:00 AM on the first of next month.
This case pertains to the Criminal Court’s verdict issued on December 25, 2022, which found former President Yameen guilty of money laundering and bribery in connection with the lease of V. Aarashu. At the time, Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison. This included a seven-year sentence and a $5 million fine for money laundering, alongside a four-year sentence for accepting a bribe. However, the High Court overturned these convictions on April 18, 2024, and ordered a retrial of the case.
When the High Court ordered a retrial of the case, it ruled that new evidence subsequently submitted by the state would be inadmissible. The state has since appealed that specific ruling to the Supreme Court. The High Court bench that presided over the appeal consisted of Judge Huzaifa Mohamed, Judge Hassan Shafeeu, and Judge Mohamed Saleem. Among them, Judge Saleem now serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
In addition to this case, the sentencing for former Felidhoo MP Yoosuf Naeem has also been scheduled for the first of next month. In the Aarah case, Naeem faces charges of bribery. Although the Criminal Court previously found him guilty and sentenced him to three years, two months, and 12 days in prison, the High Court later overturned the verdict and ordered a retrial.
The bench of judges presiding over this case at the Supreme Court has recently undergone changes. Following the removal of Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir from the bench due to a disciplinary matter, Justice Abdulla Hameed has taken her place. The bench also includes Justice Aisha Shujoon Mohamed and Justice Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim. The ruling scheduled for next month will determine whether new evidence can be introduced as the trial concerning the Aarah case proceeds.
