All trials on Judge Abdullah

The trials against former President Mohamed Nasheed and four others over the arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdullah Mohamed (Judge Abdullah) have been temporarily halted.

The Department of Judicial Administration said that the trial was scheduled at Hulhumale’ Court for today, but cancelled following the High Court order to halt the trial against Nasheed until a decision is made on the case appealed by Nasheed to High court.

The High Court’s temporary order issued today detailed that continuing with the trial before a decision is made on the appealed case might obstruct ensuring Nasheed’s rights, and result in damage being caused to Nasheed.

In addition to Nasheed, the State has pressed charges against former Chief of Defence Force Major General Moosa Ali Jaleel, Brigadier General retired Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, former Defence Minister Thalhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaan and Colonel Mohamed Ziyad over Judge Abdullah’s arrest.

The trial against Nasheed has been temporarily halted until High Court makes a decision on the procedural points raised by Nasheed’s legal team, questioning the legitimacy of the Hulhumale’ Court.