High Court Overturns Conviction of Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen

The High Court of the Republic of Maldives overturned the conviction and cancelled the 11-year prison sentence of former President Abdulla Yameen. This decision comes as a result of the court's determination that Yameen's 2022 trial, which found him guilty of money laundering and bribery charges, was unfair and plagued with procedural irregularities.

Brief Facts:

Yameen was arrested primarily due to allegations of corruption and financial misconduct during his tenure in office. Specifically, he faced charges related to money laundering and bribery. He was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for granting leases and other favours, including a case involving the lease of an islet for tourism development. These allegations of corruption and financial impropriety led to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. Additionally, Yameen's arrest occurred during a period of political transition in the Maldives, following the election of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who succeeded Yameen as president.

Yameen was found guilty by the Criminal Court of the Maldives. He appealed the decision of the Criminal Court.

Decision of the High Court:

The High Court overturned his conviction and nullified the 11-year prison sentence imposed on him by the Criminal Court. The High Court held that Yameen's trial in 2022 was fundamentally unfair and tainted by procedural irregularities. Judge Hassan Shafeeu, delivering the decision orally, emphasized the shortcomings of the lower court's proceedings.

It held that these irregularities, ranging from issues related to evidence presentation to concerns about legal representation, cast significant doubt on the integrity of the trial process and raised questions about the validity of the verdict reached by the lower court. It held that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

The timing of the High Court's decision, just days before the elections, has its potential impact on the political landscape, where Yameen's party, the People's National Front, is actively participating.