MP Hamid

High Court has dismissed a case filed by MP Hamid Abdul Gafoor appealing Criminal Court’s 6-months prison sentence upon the MP for contempt of court, issued on 31 October.

High Court Media Official Ameen Faisal told Sun that the case was dismissed after MP Hamid failed to attend the High Court hearing scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today.

“The case has been dismissed because the defendant did not attend court,” Ameen said.

MP Hamid was sentenced to 6 months in prison after he refused to attend court to answer for charges of refusing to provide urine samples to the authorities, following his arrest from Haa Dhaalu Hondaidhoo in November 2012 on suspected use of cannabis and alcohol.

Sentencing MP Hamid Abdul Gafoor in absentia, Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed said MP Hamid had refused to attend court after accepting summons on two different occasions. Judge Abdulla Mohamed also said that attempts to bring MP Hamid to court though the State authorities have failed.

MP Hamid continues to stay inside the parliament compound since 23 October, seeking refuge and fearing arrest by the authorities.