In a significant legal development, the High Court today overturned the entire 11-year jail sentence imposed on former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom for bribery and money laundering related to the leasing of V. Aarah island.
Yameen had been convicted of bribery and money laundering charges and sentenced to 11 years in prison in connection with the leasing of V. Aarah island. However, following an appeal to the High Court, the three-judge panel heard the case and delivered its verdict today.
In a unanimous decision, the judges of the High Court ruled that the lower court's handling of the preliminary motions was improper and that Yameen's rights had been violated. Consequently, the High Court quashed the four-year jail sentence imposed in the bribery case.
Furthermore, the remaining seven years of Yameen's jail term were also nullified on the grounds that the elements of money laundering were not substantiated.
As a result of the High Court's ruling, Judges Mohamed Salim, Huzaifa Mohamed, and Hassan Shafiu annulled the lower court's judgment and ordered a retrial.
Following the successful outcome of his appeal, Yameen was released from custody. His supporters, buoyed by the news, expressed their jubilation at the decision.
Yameen had been convicted of bribery and money laundering charges and sentenced to 11 years in prison in connection with the leasing of V. Aarah island. However, following an appeal to the High Court, the three-judge panel heard the case and delivered its verdict today.
In a unanimous decision, the judges of the High Court ruled that the lower court's handling of the preliminary motions was improper and that Yameen's rights had been violated. Consequently, the High Court quashed the four-year jail sentence imposed in the bribery case.
Furthermore, the remaining seven years of Yameen's jail term were also nullified on the grounds that the elements of money laundering were not substantiated.
As a result of the High Court's ruling, Judges Mohamed Salim, Huzaifa Mohamed, and Hassan Shafiu annulled the lower court's judgment and ordered a retrial.
Following the successful outcome of his appeal, Yameen was released from custody. His supporters, buoyed by the news, expressed their jubilation at the decision.
