Hearing in Yameen’s appeal cancelled at request of PG Office

A hearing scheduled for Sunday afternoon in the appeal of the 11-year prison sentence against former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom after a money laundering and bribery conviction, has been canceled at the request of the prosecution.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison and slapped with a USD 5 million fine on December 25, 2022, after he was found guilty of money laundering and bribery charges in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development. While Yameen has appealed his conviction to High Court, the proceedings in the appeal have been slow for various reasons.

High Court, on Sunday, said the hearing slated for 2:00pm this afternoon in Yameen’s appeal case has been canceled at the request of state prosecutors.

The particular appeal hearing slated for Sunday pertains to his money laundering conviction. At present, the judges and lawyers are in the process of clarifying their queries in the case. It is unclear when a judgment can be delivered.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih exercised his executive powers to transfer Yameen to home confinement following months in prison after PPM-PNC coalition’s win in the presidential election. He said he was prioritizing the nation’s interest. The transfer came after an appeal made by president-elect, PNC’s Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to transfer Yameen to home confinement.