Yameen’s trial stalls, defense enraged over submission of new evidence by prosecution

Although discussion on evidence presented was on the agenda for Wednesday’s hearing 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 – the hearing strayed from the agenda, prompting wait for the next hearing to see discussion of evidence.

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.

Starting today’s hearing, presiding judge over the case, Criminal Court’s Chief Judge Ahmed Shakeel announced that discussion of evidence presented was on the agenda. However, he noted that the prosecution had submitted new evidence to the court, which had not been received.

Underscoring the documents had been shared with the defense – Judge Shakeel had asked both parties whether they were ready to discuss evidence presented. Although the prosecution confirmed to have been ready, the defense had reasoned with excuses as to why they were not.

In this regard, Yameen’s lawyer, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed stated that the defense had previously requested to obtain the transcript of witness testimonies from the Criminal Court at the conclusion of the last hearing held. He stressed that the transcript is yet to be received.

Both Yameen’s lawyers, and Naeem’s lawyers had stressed that evidence could be discussed comprehensively only once the transcript is received.

“We are not talking about this by any means to stall or delay the trial,” Dr. Jameel added.

New evidence from prosecution  

State prosecutor from the Prosecutor General’s Office said that the prosecution was forced to submit additional documents as evidence due to the manner some witnesses produced by the defense had delivered their testimonies.

When the defense alleged that the prosecution was trying to submit new evidence after the stipulated period for evidence submission during discussion stages to make the trial a ‘joke’, the prosecution had strongly refuted the allegation stating that the law does not prohibit submission of evidence in the course of trial even after the stipulated period for evidence submission – even if new evidence is obtained.

“The court will decide whether to accept or reject these documents at the next hearing,” Judge Shakeel had said.

He also instructed both parties to be ready to discuss evidence, in spite of whether a decision has been taken on whether to accept or reject the newly submitted evidence.

Judge Shakeel, concluding today’s hearing, said that the next one will be held on November 17.