Hearing in Aarah case cancelled as Yameen ill

The hearing scheduled for Thursday in the money laundering and bribery case against former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development has been cancelled as he is ill.

Yameen was charged with money laundering and taking a bribe in connection to the case in November 2021. 

He is accused of misusing his position and taking a USD 1 million bribe to facilitate the sale of Aarah to Yoosuf Naeem, a former parliamentary representative for Felidhoo constituency, and laundering the money.

The state has also charged Naeem with giving the bribe.

Revealing that the hearing in the case scheduled for 10:00am this morning had been cancelled – Criminal Court said that a letter was submitted to them, informing Yameen’s inability to attend the hearing due to health condition.

Criminal Court said that therewith, the hearing has been cancelled.

Two hearings in the case were held this week. However, the two hearings scheduled in the case last week were cancelled.

At present, witness testimonies from the prosecution’s side have been completed. Currently, witnesses produced by the defense are presenting their testimonies.