High Court dismisses forging of ballot papers case

High Court has stated that they no longer have jurisdiction to see the case of forging of ballot papers in Haa Dhaalu Kulhuduffushi, stating that the case must initially be filed with the Criminal Court, based on the Supreme Court ruling to annul results of the first round of the presidential election.

High Court commenced the trial against Ahmed Athif, Maavina, Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi, for forging ballot papers, on 2nd October.

In addition to Athif, the State has also charged Ahmed Abdul Raheem, Benisan, Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi, for the same crime.

Presenting the case against Athif in court, the State Prosecutor accused Athif and Abdul Raheem of having printed and laminated ballot papers similar to the original ballot papers used in the first round of the presidential election, held on 7th September 2013. The State charged Athif with the crime of advertising the ballot paper, under the General Elections Act.