News Desk
The Criminal Court on Wednesday cancelled the verdict hearing scheduled for Thursday in the bribery and money laundering trial of former President Abdulla Yameen regarding the lease of R. Fuggiri.
The court had wrapped up hearings earlier this month and was set to deliver its judgment on Thursday. State prosecutors allege that Yameen took a $1 million bribe and laundered the funds during the lease of the island while serving as president.
However, court officials confirmed that the session scheduled for tomorrow has now been called off, pushing back the final judgment in the high-profile case.
Charges were originally brought alongside the former president against Sun Construction and Engineering, Sun Investment, and Ahmed Krik Riza. The court previously ruled that charges against the two Sun companies were not proven, while the state withdrew its case against Krik Riza.
Beyond the Fuggiri case, Yameen continues to face legal battles over the lease of V. Aarah. The Criminal Court had earlier sentenced him to 11 years in prison over the deal, but the High Court quashed that conviction and ordered a retrial, which remains ongoing.
