State failed to produce documentation establishing specific date and authority responsible for designating Fuggiri for tourism development; charges against Krik filed in an irregular manner: Defense Closing Statement

The defense has argued in court that the state has failed to produce documentation clarifying when or by whom R. Fuggiri was designated for tourism development, further asserting that the prosecution has failed to demonstrate any involvement by former President Abdulla Yameen in the matter.

The defense made the statement during a hearing held to present their closing arguments in the R. Fuggiri case.

The defense also questioned whether the state had made any effort to recover the island if it had indeed been illegally granted to Classic City. The defense counsel further noted that this remains unclear.

Furthermore, the defense counsel highlighted that the state has also failed to appeal the acquittal of the Sun companies, which were alleged to have engaged in the transactions related to the charges against President Abdulla Yameen.

When the state initially filed charges in this case, it alleged that President Yameen, while in office, exerted undue influence regarding the lease of R. Fuggiri for resort development through the Ministry of Tourism and MMPRC. The prosecution claims he solicited USD 1,117,000 in bribes through Ahmed Krik Riza of Ma. Kurikeelahiyage, and subsequently laundered the funds through a series of layered transactions involving Sun Construction and Engineering Private Limited and Sun Investment Private Limited.

In the charges previously filed by the State, it was alleged that the transaction between Krik Riza and Sun Investment was an attempt to disguise the dealings as a legitimate currency exchange.

The defense highlighted that the state's decision to withdraw the charges against Krik Riza and file away the case was carried out in an "extraordinary" manner. They further asserted that the procedures followed in this matter were conducted in a way that raises significant suspicions.

Following the earlier leak of an audio recording allegedly featuring a conversation between then-Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Riyaz and Krik Riza outside of official investigative procedures, the state previously informed the court that the Prosecutor General’s Office was unable to conduct a forensic analysis to the required standard, despite having instructed the police to do so.

Subsequently, the Prosecutor General's Office issued a public invitation to review its previous decisions. During that period, Riza submitted a request for his case to be withdrawn. Following a review, the Prosecutor General's Office decided to proceed accordingly.

At the time, the state justified the withdrawal of the case against Riza by citing significant and undue delays in the legal proceedings.

The defense has requested the court to clear President Abdulla Yameen of all charges, seeking an acquittal on both counts raised against him.

Judge Ali Nadeem is presiding over this case at the Criminal Court.