Criminal Court of Maldives has granted the Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed a five- day period to respond to charges raised against him. The state charged Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed with obstructing the work of the government, alleging that Abdulla Saeed ordered court employees to shut down the state's intranet on February 4 and 5.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice's defence attorney questioned the presiding judge about the procedure that should be followed in the trial. In response, the Judge assured the Chief Justice of his constitutional rights but not the rights suspended by the State of Emergency decree.
The presiding judge noted that upon expiration of the State of Emergency, the general procedure would be followed during the trial.
If found guilty of charges, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed is expected to face a sentence of four months and 28 days of imprisonment.