Malé, Maldives – Opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has sent a letter to various institutions asking for an independent investigation of the leaked audio recording ex-President Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s trial.
PPM sent letters to the Speaker of the Maldives Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, Human Rights Commission (HRCM), Bar Council, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and Transparency Maldives.
PPM’s letter states that the audio is proof that the former President was unfairly convicted and requested the parties to initiate an independent forensic investigation to be completed before the President Yameen’s appeal case at the Supreme Court is concluded.
An audio recording was leaked where allegedly one of the judges of the Criminal Court’s five-member bench stated that former President Yameen Abdul Gayyoom was sentenced by holding the judges “hostage”.
According to local media, Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad allegedly made the comment in a conversation with a friend, where he stated that there are many ways a person can be held hostage, that even if he himself was not held hostage, it can be done by holding his wife or a loved one hostage.
In addition to this, Judge Faiz also described trials involving politicians as an “unusual business”, and saying that being imprisoned unjustly can only boost Yameen’s popularity. He also said that Yameen was convicted of the crime not based on just one reason, but based on multiple reasons, but that he is unable to divulge details. The judge is further heard saying that Yameen’s conviction will serve in his favour in the long run and that it will be clear in 2023 – when Maldives will hold the presidential elections.
Judge Faiz also mentioned that out of five judges, issuing a dissenting opinion would have no effect on the outcome.
While Opposition Coalition has called to free former President Yameen and accused President’s Chief of Staff Ali Zahir of masterminding the manipulation of the former President’s trial, the President’s Office has denied these allegations and requested the JSC and Police to investigate this matter.
While Opposition Coalition has called to free former President Yameen and accused President’s Chief of Staff Ali Zahir of masterminding the manipulation of the former President’s trial, the President’s Office has denied these allegations and requested the JSC and Police to investigate this matter.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Maldives, on August 30, commenced an investigation into the leaked audio recording of a judge allegedly implicating outside pressure into passing a sentence.
