The charges of abuse of power filed against former VP Ahmed Adeeb had proceeded today, without taking the witness statements of the defense. The defense was given one hour to present his witnesses in the case hearing of the Finifenmaa Explosion.
The state had presented the statements of four witnesses today. Two of the state’s witnesses had been listed as defense witnesses as well.
Maureena, Hassan Rikaz, MNDF officers and crew members of the presidential speedboat were listed as witnesses for Adeeb.
The Judge had granted an hour to produce their witnesses. In the hearing held after the one-hour deadline, Adeeb said the phones of the witnesses were switched off. He had requested for an extension following this development, which was denied by the presiding Judge Baaree.
Ahmed Khaleel, a former staffer at the Special Protection Group (SPG), statement was taken today. Khaleel said that Adeeb’s bodyguard Hassan Rikaz had called SPG on September 26 to arrange a trip to Aarah for Adeeb on the next day at 4pm.
Aarah in charge Ismail Muaz was the next witness. He confirmed that Khaleel had called to arrange the tip on September 26. He said that he had reported that only Finifenmaa was available and that a smaller vessel could be arranged. Muaz said Khaleel had called back a few minutes later to confirm the Finifenmaa.
After the Judge Baree said that some of the questions from lawyer Siraaj cannot be asked, Siraaj said that he does not have any further questions.
The next testimony was from an MNDF officer working in Aarah and said that Adheeb and his two bodyguards arrived in Aarah on the night of 27 September on the Presidential Launch.
The last testimony today was a crew member onboard the Presidential Launch, Mohamed Suzail and he said that he was present as a crew member on the launch when Adheeb arrived in Aarah onboard the Presidential Launch.
He said that he Launch crew remained onboard the Presidential Launch until Adheeb left Aarah and did not board the Presidential Launch before his departure.
Judge Baaree concluded the hearings announcing that summary charges will be read at 11 am on Saturday.