High Court schedules Yameen’s appeal of prison sentence for Wednesday

High Court has scheduled hearings in the appeal lodged by the opposition leader, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom over his 11-year prison sentence after being convicted of money laundering and bribery in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for tourist development.

High Court, confirmed to Sun, that the hearing in the appeal will commence on Wednesday.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison and fined USD 5 million on December 25, 2022, after he was found guilty of money laundering and bribery in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development.

His lawyers appealed Criminal Court’s judgment in the case to High Court on February 21^st. The appeal petition was resubmitted after amendments requested by the High Court on March 15^th.

High Court registered the case on April 4^th after they were accused by the opposition PPM-PNC coalition of deliberate delays. They made a physical appearance at the court to share their concerns.

Yameen is the presidential candidate of the opposition coalition. His conviction needs to be overturned for him to be an eligible contestant for the elections.