News

Yameen’s case to be submitted to appeal this week

Published

1 year ago

21/01/2023

Opposition coalition has revealed that efforts were underway to submit the money laundering and bribery conviction of opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom for appeal this week.

Yameen was charged with money laundering and bribery in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development during his administration.

He was accused of abusing his position and taking a USD 1 million bribe to facilitate the sale of Aarah to Yoosuf Naeem, a former parliamentary representative for Felidhoo constituency, and laundering the said money.

Criminal Court found Yameen guilty on both charges on December 25.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison for the money laundering charge, alongside a fine of USD 5 million

Meanwhile, he was sentenced to four years in prison for taking a bribe.

Speaking at a press conference by the opposition coalition on Thursday night, head of Yameen’s legal team, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, said that he hopes to submit Criminal Court’s judgment for appeal upcoming week.

While Yameen’s legal team was handed over the full case report of the trial alongside the transcript of witness testimonies last Sunday – Jameel has strongly criticized the report on multiple occasions. He emphasized the legal team’s dilemma on having to carry out extensive research of the report and the transcript of testimonies in order to prepare the appeal.

“The report was concluded very unusually. The appeal would be submitted following extensive research of the report, inclusive of what’s included in it. This process is presently nearing its end. Hoping to submit to appeal in the upcoming week,” he said.

A 60-day period is granted to appeal lower case judgments to High Court. Although there are many days remaining in this period – the delay in appeal in Yameen’s case, who was granted the presidential ticket by the opposition PPM-PNC coalition, is of concern as the appeal process may not conclude in time for the election.

Yameen had been convicted of similar charges back in 2019, in connection to the sale of GA. Vodamulaa for resort development. However, he was acquitted by the Supreme Court last November – just short of two years into his five-year prison term.

The High Court appeal in Vodamulaa trial took over a year. However, the trial was delayed back then by the obstructions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

Police officers complete training to prevent maritime terrorism acts

Published

11 hours ago

17/05/2024

A team of 22 police officers has successfully completed a specialised training programme focused on thwarting maritime terrorism activities.

Entitled “Training on Strengthening Capabilities to Disrupt Maritime Crimes as Related to Terrorist Threats,” the program was conducted through a collaborative effort between the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Running from May 13 to 15, the intensive training equipped participants with essential skills and knowledge crucial for combating threats in maritime environments.

The concluding ceremony, graced by the presence of Chief Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Adnan Anees, Head of Marine Police, along with senior officials from the Marine Police Department, UNODC’s Head of Office Enrico Boninsegna, and course instructor Kenneth Alferdo Pennington, highlighted the significance of such initiatives in enhancing national security.

Addressing the gathering, Adnan underscored the importance of ongoing education and skill development, urging participants to actively apply the knowledge garnered from the program in their professional endeavors.

The training, conducted at Dhoonidhoo, Kaafu Atoll, imparted vital insights into the prevention and detection of maritime terrorism activities, emphasizing protocols for safe navigation in high-risk areas. Furthermore, officers received guidance on investigative procedures essential for effectively addressing such crimes, thereby bolstering the nation’s capabilities in combating maritime threats.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

President reverts land act amendment to parliament

Published

11 hours ago

17/05/2024

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reverted the Ninth Amendment Bill to the Maldives Land Act to Parliament for further consideration.

This bill, which seeks to establish criteria for recipients of residential land and mandates that land be allocated within three months of the publication of the permanent list of recipients in the gazette, was initially passed during the twenty-second sitting of Parliament’s first session this year and sent to the President’s Office for ratification on May 2.

In returning the bill, President Muizzu invoked Article 91(a) of the Constitution, which grants the President the authority to return legislation to Parliament for reconsideration.

The President’s Office has confirmed this, indicating the need for further review and potential revisions to the proposed amendment.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

President pledges to advance telecom and markets for Maldivian products

Published

11 hours ago

17/05/2024

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to lead the nation towards a future of improved telecommunications infrastructure while simultaneously fostering and securing markets for the commercialization of domestic products. These commitments were articulated by the president in commemoration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

In a widely circulated social media post, President Dr. Muizzu affirmed his dedication to opening up the country to cutting-edge communication channels and platforms. Furthermore, he reiterated his unwavering commitment to leveraging international markets to showcase the talents and products of Maldivians, thereby generating revenue for the nation.

President Dr. Muizzu’s vision includes the introduction of innovative financial services and transactions within the country. In line with this pledge, the Bank of Maldives (BML) initiated financial transaction services in March, offering online money transfer platforms such as digital wallets. Additionally, preparations are underway to introduce E-wallet services, which will streamline financial transactions through platforms like PayPal.

Source(s): PsmNews