Court accepts new evidence submitted by prosecution in Yameen’s case

Criminal Court, on Thursday, has decided to accept the new evidence submitted by the prosecution in the money laundering and bribery case against former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development.

Yameen was charged with money laundering and taking a bribe in connection to the case in November 2021. 

He is accused of misusing his position and taking a USD 1 million bribe to facilitate the sale of Aarah to Yoosuf Naeem, a former parliamentary representative for Felidhoo constituency, and laundering the money.

The state charged Naeem with giving the bribe.

State prosecutor from the Prosecutor General’s Office’s, in an earlier hearing, stated that the prosecution was forced to submit additional documents into evidence due to the manner some of the witnesses produced by the defense had delivered their testimonies.

The defense witnesses included former Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, former Youth Minister Ahmed Zuroor and Deputy Mayor of Male’ City Ahmed Nareesh.

In a hearing which commenced at approximately 1:30pm this afternoon – the defense had requested the opportunity to talk regarding newly submitted evidence. However, the request was rejected, in order to discuss previously submitted evidence, as scheduled.

Judge Shakeel, in the last hearing held, instructed both parties to be ready to discuss evidence, in spite of whether a decision has been taken on whether to accept or reject the newly submitted evidence.