Hearing in MP Faris' identity fraud case scheduled for Monday

The Criminal Court has scheduled a hearing in the state’s identity theft allegations against Dhiggaru constituency MP Faris Maumoon for Monday.

The hearing is scheduled for 11am. A hearing in the case was scheduled for last Tuesday as well but was postponed upon the request from the defence.

At the hearing on Tuesday, Faris' attorney Ibrahim Shameel noted they had not been given enough time to prepare for the case, noting that the Maldives Correctional Service had refused to provide them with a meeting with Faris for that week.

Also at the hearing, presiding Judge Ibrahim Ali noted that the defence had submitted 47 pieces of evidence, and asked to reduce the amount. He further noted that the court will hear 'the most important' pieces of evidence.

MP Faris is the son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who was recently found guilty of obstruction of justice and sentenced to one year, seven months and six days in prison.

Maumoon ruled the nation for 30 years and is the second former president to be jailed during the current administration; former President Mohamed Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in prison on terror charges in March 2015.

Incumbent President Abdulla Yameen is Maumoon's half-brother.