High Court halts Faris appeal trial pending Supreme Court decision

High Court has halted proceedings related to appeal of Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon’s detention until Supreme Court issues its verdict over the change in the High Court bench presiding over the case.

Faris is accused of offering a bribe to a fellow parliamentarian to influence the outcome of a no-confidence vote taken against the Speaker of People’s Majlis, Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed.

Faris had appealed the Criminal Court order to keep him detained pending the outcome of his trial with the High Court. And High Court has concluding the hearings pertaining to the case, with a ruling yet to be issued. However, High Court has changed the judges presiding over the case, and Faris has filed a motion with the Supreme Court over the change.

During the hearing held at High Court this Thursday, Faris’ attorney stated that the change in the bench was unlawful, and that a motion has been filed on behalf of Faris with the Supreme Court over the issue.

The defense requested that appeal proceedings be halted until Supreme Court looks into the issue.

The State prosecution said it had no objection to the request. And the judges ruled to halt proceedings until Supreme Court makes it decision.

The appeal proceedings were previously headed by Judge Ali Sameer, with Chief Judge Abdulla Didi and Judge Abdul Rauf Ibrahim.

The bench is now headed by Judge Shujau Usman, with Chief Judge Abdulla Didi and Judge Abdul Rauf Ibrahim.

Faris’ bribery trial began in Criminal Court last Monday, September 25.