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.
A homeless man is reunited with his family after 13 years thanks to a Ford Mustang and a viral clip
The truth behind Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont's off
Feature: Students in Myanmar studying Chinese celebrate Spring Festival
Mariska Hargitay is mistaken for real
Terrifying map reveals route Iran's strike force of 100 kamikaze drones will take to hit Israel
Arizona State hires former Steelers star Hines Ward as receivers coach
The truth behind Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont's off
Braless Maura Higgins turns up the heat in a daring cleavage
New building of museum at Shang Dynasty capital site to open this month
Jets might have a tough call to make between a playmaker or protection at No. 10 in the NFL draft
China's demographic dividend is turning into talent dividend