MALE, Maldives (AP) — A court in the Maldives on Thursday threw out former President Abdulla Yameen’s 11-year prison sentence on money laundering and bribery charges and ordered a retrial.
The development comes two days ahead of parliamentary elections in this Indian Ocean archipelago nation, known as an exclusive tourist destination.
The ruling, which was broadcast on the court’s YouTube channel, is seen as a potential boost to President Mohamed Muizzu’s party, which is seeking to secure a majority in the 87-member Parliament.
The High Court ruled on Yameen’s appeal and said in its decision on Thursday that his 2022 trial before the Criminal Court was unfair and released him.
The lower court had convicted Yameen two years ago of accepting money for leasing an island owned by the government, which he was accused of having done during his 2013-2018 term in office.
Last October, Yameen was transferred from prison to house arrest after Muizzu won the Maldives’ presidential election. Yameen and Muizzu have long been political allies.
No date has been scheduled for the retrial.
Protesting Spanish professor 'warned university' over Confucius Institutes — Radio Free Asia
ACWF Launches Campaign to Care for Children in Winter Vacation
Boao Forum for Asia unveils agenda for 2024 conference
ACWF President Visits Women Frontline Workers in Fight Against COVID
New York man pleads guilty to sending threats to state attorney general and Trump civil case judge
ACWF Enhances Efforts to Promote Mothers and Families' Health
Discovering Ocean's Poetic Charms
ACWF Encourages Women Entrepreneurs to Contribute to COVID
Justice Department ramps up efforts to reduce violent crime with gun intel center
ACWF Honors 3 Women Dedicated to Curbing COVID