A former Maldives president is freed after a high court throws out his 11
MALE, Maldives (AP) — A court in the Maldives on Thursday threw out former President Abdulla Yameen’s 11-year prison sentence on money laundering and bribery charges and ordered a retrial.
The development comes two days ahead of parliamentary elections in this Indian Ocean archipelago nation, known as an exclusive tourist destination.
The ruling, which was broadcast on the court’s YouTube channel, is seen as a potential boost to President Mohamed Muizzu’s party, which is seeking to secure a majority in the 87-member Parliament.
The High Court ruled on Yameen’s appeal and said in its decision on Thursday that his 2022 trial before the Criminal Court was unfair and released him.
The lower court had convicted Yameen two years ago of accepting money for leasing an island owned by the government, which he was accused of having done during his 2013-2018 term in office.
Last October, Yameen was transferred from prison to house arrest after Muizzu won the Maldives’ presidential election. Yameen and Muizzu have long been political allies.
No date has been scheduled for the retrial.
Related articles
German police officer dies of wounds suffered in knife attack
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A 29-year-old German police officer has died of injuries suffered during a2024-06-03How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 4/24/2024
U.S. stocks drifted to a mixed finish. The S&P 500 closed little changed Wednesday after a two-d2024-06-03Jon Bon Jovi admits he 'hasn't been a saint' in his 35
Jon Bon Jovi admitted that he has not always 'been a saint' during his 35-year marriage to wife Doro2024-06-03Webb Simpson offers to resign from PGA Tour board. But only if McIlroy replaces him, AP source says
A plan is in place for Rory McIlroy to rejoin the PGA Tour board, a move that would require the boar2024-06-03Sarah Hyland reveals husband Wells Adams called her Little Shop of Horrors voice 'very sexual'
Sarah Hyland said she was surprised by her husband's reaction to her latest Broadway role. The Moder2024-06-03Meta more than doubles Q1 profit but revenue guidance pulls shares down after
Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta said Wednesday its first-quarter profit more than doubled2024-06-03
atest comment