The High Court of Maldives has overturned the 11-year jail sentence imposed on former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom for bribery and money laundering related to the leasing of Aarah, Vaavu Atoll.
In December 2022, the Criminal Court sentenced former President Yameen to 11 years in prison after finding him guilty of charges of money laundering and accepting bribes in relation to the lease of Aarah, Vaavu Atoll, for resort development through Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). The court also ordered him to pay a USD 5 million fine within six months for money laundering.
Following an appeal filed by Yameen in March 2023, the appeal hearings concluded months ago, with the verdict being delivered on April 18.
The High Court identified certain discrepancies in comparison to the judgment handed down by the Criminal Court, including concerns regarding unfair trial procedures and deficiencies in constitutional rights. As a result, the law mandates the annulment of the sentence, requiring the case to be thoroughly reinvestigated.