Maumoon's terror trial: court cancels hearing amid reports of ailing health

Thursday’s pretrial hearing in the terror charges raised against former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been cancelled.

While the hearing was schedule for 11am, the Criminal Court did not disclose a reason for the cancellation. However, his family has expressed concern over his ailing health, and has even requested for him to be transferred to house arrest, before it is too late.

Terror charges were raised against the former president over allegations of conspiring to overthrow the government, by bribing lawmakers and judges.

The first hearing in the trial was held on Sunday, with the court giving Maumoon two days to appoint a lawyer. He had requested 10 days to appoint a lawyer, the maximum time allowed to seek a lawyer.

He is also charged with obstruction.

The former president, who ruled the country for 30 years, has been in detention since February 5. He was arrested hours after the nation-wide state of emergency was declared. Incumbent President Abdulla Yameen is his half-brother, and Maumoon had withdrawn his support for him in October 2016. He has since been working with the opposition, including his successor and former rival, former President Nasheed.