Can continue Ali Waheed, Mahloof trial: Criminal Court

Criminal Court has decided that the trial for the case filed by the State against Thoddoo MP Ali Waheed and Galolhu Dhekunu MP Ahmed Mahloof for obstructing Police duty, can be continued.

This decision comes following a procedural point raised by Ali Waheed’s lawyer, that the State had withdrawn the case and filed it to Court for a second time, which means that it should not be entertained by the Court.

Detailing the Court’s decision, the Judge said that Ali Waheed’s lawyer had not been able to prove that the State withdrew the case with the intention of freeing the defendant of the charges.

He also said that the case was filed for a second time in line with the authority accorded to the State by the Constitution and the Prosecutor General’s Act.

Mahloof was not present at today’s trial, and the Judge informed that a letter was received from Mahloof yesterday, citing his medical condition as a reason for his absence from Court.

He noted that the trial was scheduled after discussion with both Mahloof and Ali Waheed.

Ali Waheed refuted this statement, and said that he was not consulted in relation to deciding on a date to hold the trial.

The Judge said that because they are both Members of Parliament, the trial sessions will be scheduled for dates which are convenient for them.

Closing today’s session, the Judge announced that Ali Waheed and Mahloof will be allowed to present their defence at the next session, which will be followed by the presentation of evidence.

Ali Waheed told reporters outside the Court room that he had requested to take a vacation, but was not allowed to do so by the Court. He said that he is prepared to continue with the trial without any vacation.