Malé, Maldives – High Court of Maldives has ordered the appeal against the jail sentence of former President Abdullah Yameen.
Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2022 after being convicted of taking bribes and laundering the money on the lease of V. Aarah. He is serving his sentence in Maafushi jail.
Yameen’s lawyers filed an appeal in the High Court two weeks ago.
The High Court confirmed that Yameen’s lawyers have been asked to amend the appeal form.
The opposition coalition is expressing concern over the delay in accepting the case.
The opposition PPM and PNC have handed over their presidential ticket to President Yameen. However, President Yameen will not be able to contest the upcoming presidential election until the jail sentence handed down by the Criminal Court is quashed by a higher court.
But his lawyers have said they hope the High Court will release him this month.
Noting the difference between the appeal stage and the lower court stage, Yameen’s lawyer, Dr Jameel said the appeal stage would go faster. Even in the High Court, the appeal stages usually have two or three hearings.
The deadline for presidential elections nominations is July 23 to August 3. Therefore, if he contests the presidential election, Yameen must be released before August 3.
