High Court ‘unclear’ when Yameen’s hearing will be held

High Court said on Tuesday that it does not have a hearing in the appeal filed by former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom schedule, and is unable to say when the next one will be scheduled.

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

The last High Court hearing, held in June, saw his attorneys finish presenting their points of appeal.

The opposition leader’s political allies and supporters have expressed concern over the delay in conclusion of the appeal, which they see as a deliberate move by the government to prevent him from contesting the upcoming presidential election.

The appeal is being heard by a bench of three judges.

The presiding judge, Huzaifa Mohamed is currently on leave.

The other judges on the bench are Judge Hassan Shafeeu, and Judge Mohamed Saleem.

Though his eligibility for the September 9 election continues to hang in the balance, his party, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) continues to insist that Yameen is their only choice for a presidential candidate.