Opposition accuses govt. of influencing Yameen’s trial to stall the case

Opposition PPM-PNC coalition, on Tuesday night, accused the government of influencing the trial of their leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom to stall the case.

Speaking at a press conference held by the opposition coalition regarding Yameen’s trial on Tuesday night – Naifaru MP, PPM’s Deputy Leader Ahmed Shiyam expressed concern over how the trial was proceeding.

Noting Yameen to be an individual who has announced his candidacy for the 2023’s presidential elections – Shiyam accused President Solih of abusing his position to stall Yameen’s trial through undue influence.

He went onto say that despite the separation of powers by the constitution – what is being witnessed today is the head of the state influencing the judicial system in violation of the laws. Shiyam, pointing out the constitutional rights of a fair and just trial for every citizen, said the government’s acts scrap any guarantee of the trial playing out this way.

“Yesterday, the hearing proceeded for 13 hours while Yameen was kept in a small cell in Maafushi Prison without his lawyers. The hearing scheduled for 9 this morning adjourned at 4 this evening. This is abuse. System abuse,” he said.

Shiyam said such acts against a candidate running in the election are extremely concerning. He stressed Yameen’s legal battles to be a conspiracy against him by the government to disqualify the former president from the election.

As opposition continues to express concern over the delays in Yameen’s trial, a hearing in the money laundering and bribery case against Yameen in connection with the sale of Fuggiri for resort development has been slated for tomorrow as well.