Yameen’s trial rescheduled to 12:45pm

Former President Abdulla Yameen’s trial on money laundering charges has been rescheduled to 12:45pm.

The trial will be broadcast live on TV. This is the first time a criminal trial will be broadcast live on TV. The only other live trial broadcast was that of the November 3rd terrorist attacks via radio.

The Criminal Court stated that the reason for the live broadcast is due to the case involving public concern over the embezzlement of state funds.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)’s investigation showed that Yameen had refused to abide by the request to return USD 1 million he had received from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).

Former ACC President Hassan Luthufee has been accused of helping Yameen hide the money. Also, then legal affairs minister Azima Shakoor sent a letter to ACC claiming that Yameen has returned the amount, as requested. ACC later requested the police to investigate this claim, which they deemed to be false.

At the preliminary hearing, evidence was submitted in the form of ACC’s agreement with Yameen to return the money, ACC’s investigative report, MMPRC’s audit report, Yameen’s statement to ACC, relevant cheques, slips, bank statements, and Yameen’s financial statement.