Yameen's money laundering trial: first hearing with five-judge bench set for Sunday
Money laundering charges were raised against Yameen in February
Former President Abdulla Yameen
A hearing in former President Abdulla Yameen’s money laundering trial is scheduled for 1:30pm on Sunday.
While a verdict in the trial was to be issued on November 5, the hearing was cancelled following the suspension of the presiding judge.
The court has since established a five-judge bench to oversee the case, as requested by the defendant, under Article 58 of the Judges’ Act. The bench comprises of Judges Ahmed Shakeel, Mohamed Sameer Ali, Ali Adam, Hussain Faiz and inerim Chief Judge Ali Rasheed.
Hence, Sunday's hearing will be the first one by the bench, which will decide on how to proceed with the trial.
A summary hearing in the case was held on October 9, where both the prosecutors and defence gave out their closing statements, prior to Judge Ahmed Hailam’s 60-day suspension.
Former President is accused of laundering USD one million through the state-owned Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), via a private company SoF, during his presidency. He is also accused of using the funds for financial gain, despite being ordered to transfer it to an escrow account under an agreement with the anti-corruption watchdog.
While the previous hearings in the trial were broadcasted live, the Criminal Court has since decided to halt this as they review the current guidelines for doing so.
Hence, the court will continue to live telecast the hearings only if both the prosecution and defence have no objections.
