The Criminal Court of the Maldives has concluded the trial over the money laundering and bribery charges against former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and former Parliamentarian Yoosuf Naeem.
The hearing of the closing argument in the case against former President Yameen and Yoosuf Naeem over money laundering and bribery charges in the lease of the Aarah, Vaavu Atoll, was held on November 30. Both the prosecution and the defence filed summary statements at the hearing, which continued from morning to evening.
The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has pressed charges of money laundering and accepting bribes against former President Yameen in relation to the lease of Aarah for resort development through Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). The island was leased to a private company after it was taken back and handed over to Felidhoo Island Council in 2015. The island was later handed over to 2G Maldives Private Limited, before leasing the island again to a foreign company. The embezzlement of funds acquired from the lease of Aarah was uncovered during the investigation of the corruption scandal of MMPRC. The prosecution charges former Parliamentarian Yoosuf Naeem over bribery.
In the summary statement, the prosecution referred to the submissions and the evidence received. The prosecution argued the evidence presented by the defense was fabricated and false. The lawyers for the defendants said the prosecution could not prove what was done to lease Aarah to a particular person. The defence lawyers also said that Yameen is a politician and his political income should not be detailed and disclosed to the public.
After concluding the hearings, presiding Judge Ahmed Shakeel said the case was filed on November 24, 2021, and over 60 hours of hearings have been conducted for the case. He said the court will hold the sentencing hearing within one month.