Yameen travelled after requesting hearing cancellation, lawyers say

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom travelled to Haa Alifu Dhidhdhoo on Monday to attend the Thilauthuru Award 2025 ceremony as guest of honor, after requesting the Criminal Court to cancel a scheduled hearing, his legal team said Monday.

A hearing on bribery and money laundering charges against Yameen was scheduled for 14:30 hours Monday. However, the Criminal Court later stated that Yameen had travelled without obtaining formal permission, despite the hearing being set.

In response, Yameen’s lawyers issued a statement clarifying that he had planned the trip after a Sunday hearing, meant to present and summarize evidence, was cancelled on Thursday. They said Yameen purchased his ticket to Hanimaadhoo on October 20, and informed the court that he would be out of town from Monday to Wednesday on an official visit.

According to the statement, the court notified the legal team on Saturday that a hearing would proceed on Monday. Yameen’s departure to Dhidhdhoo was scheduled for 14:30, the same time as the hearing.

Despite prior communication, the court maintained that the hearing would not be cancelled. Lawyer Hamza Latheef, part of Yameen’s three-member legal team, attended the hearing in person.

A power outage occurred at the Criminal Court at 13:55 hours, and electricity was restored at 15:00. The lawyers said remote participation from Hanimaadhoo had been arranged, but the hearing was ultimately cancelled at 15:05.

This marks Yameen’s first public trip since the High Court overturned his 11-year prison sentence earlier this year. He had been convicted of money laundering and bribery in connection with the lease of Aarah island, but the High Court quashed the lower court’s ruling, citing serious procedural errors.

The Criminal Court is now hearing a separate case against Yameen, with additional charges still pending.