Bribery, attempted coup charges raised on Maldives ex-Pres, CJ Saeed, Justice Ali Hameed

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has raised charges of planning a coup on former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdullah Saeed and Justice Ali Hameed.

In a press conference held on Wednesday evening, Acting Police Commissioner Abdullah Nawaz said that the three along with Judicial Administrator Hassan Saeed had all conspired to oust the legally elected Government of the Maldives, using illegal means.

Former President Maumoon is accused of:

• Bribing Members of Parliament to oust the legally elected Government
• Create dissent within the armed forces, encourage armed forces to rebel against the Government and create plans to that effect

Chief Justice Abdullah Saeed and Justice Ali Hameed are accused of:

• Accepting bribes, changing verdicts
• Using influence to the oust the legally elected Government
• Obstruction of justice, state

Administatior Hassan Saeed is accused of:

• Influence work of Judges, Justices by distributing bribes
• Using money gained as bribes to illegally gain

Nawaz said they had gained evidence and witness statements to support allegations on the four, including cash connected to Justice Ali Hameed and Hassan Saeed. The cash, Police said, was discovered under the mattress owned by Hassan Saeed.

No additional details were revealed, with Nawaz choosing to walk out of the press conference after announcing the charges.