Riyaz charged with influencing State officials

Deputy Leader of Jumhoory Party, Kinbidhoo MP Abdulla Riyaz has been charged with influencing State officials.

An official from Prosecutor General’s Office who spoke to “Sun” said Riyaz has been charged under Article 511 (b) (ii) of the Penal Code, in reference to (a)(ii) of the same Article.

The case was submitted to Criminal Court on November 23, reported the official.

The official said he cannot disclose details regarding the case at this time.

“Sun” has been informed that Riyaz was charged based on contents of a chatlog between him and a State official discovered on his mobile phone; when he was arrested from Maaveyo Magu at Male’ City on March 27 and his mobile phone confiscated by the police.

Article 511 (a) of the Penal Code states communicating with a State official - either directly or indirectly - in a manner which is illegal is an offense.

Riyaz faces a minimum 9 months and 18 days in prison if found guilty of the charge.