Yameen's Fuggiri trial sees fresh delay as state requests cancellation over illness-related leave

The Criminal Court has canceled Wednesday’s hearing in the bribery and money laundering case against former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom concerning the lease of R. Fuggiri.

The court had summoned Yameen on the 17th of this month, instructing him to appear at 9:15 am on Wednesday for the scheduled hearing. However, the session was canceled after the prosecution requested a postponement, citing an emergency overseas trip due to illness.

Yameen is being produced before the Criminal Court over allegations of bribery and money laundering linked to the leasing of R. Fuggiri for resort development.

It is noteworthy that Yameen was previously convicted on December 25, 2022 in the case involving the lease of V. Aarah. After a lengthy appeal process, the High Court quashed the conviction in late 2023 and ordered a retrial. The High Court also ruled that new evidence submitted by the prosecution could not be admitted during the retrial.

The Criminal Court had earlier accepted the new evidence and found Yameen guilty of bribery and money laundering in the V. Aarah case. However, the Supreme Court ruled on July 1 that the new evidence was inadmissible, overturning the lower court’s position.

While the V. Aarah case has now concluded at the Criminal Court following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the R. Fuggiri case remains ongoing, with hearings continuing to be scheduled and postponed.