The appeal hearing for former President Abdulla Yameen's money-laundering conviction has begun at the Maldives High Court.

While the first appeal hearing for former President Abdulla Yameen's money-laundering conviction is being held today, the former president's legal team has also requested his release on bail.

Former President Yameen was convicted of money-laundering charges on November 28th, 2019. He was sentenced to five years in prison and fined USD five million. His sentence also states that the fine must be paid within six months to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

The PG office has also requested the criminal court for a warrant to seize the funds in the former president's bank account under article 192 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act No. 12/2016) and article 62 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act (10/2014).

According to the verdict issued by the Criminal Court, the charges against Yameen were confirmed based on the evidence presented against him by the prosecution and witness statements. All five presiding judges over the trial unanimously agreed on the guilty verdict.