Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has been granted 15 days to respond to the corruption charges by the Court.
In the trial held today, State had alleged that Adeeb had misappropriated millions from the State funds, while as Tourism Minister. The state lawyers said that Adeeb had used his position as influence in the sale of an area in Male’ to Ebony Pvt Ltd through MMPRC. This is the second hearing of this trial.
Adeeb had denied all the allegations. He added that the state lawyers had only given a summary of the charges and that therefore he was unable to respond to the charges.
Adeeb’s lawyer Moosa Siraj stated that the state lawyers had failed to specify the area in question, what Adeeb had done to inappropriately wield power and how had benefited from the sale.
Chief Judge Abdullah Mohamed said the summary clearly showed the area what area was in question. The Judge said that the detailed coordinates of the area has to be submitted to the Court.
State lawyers added that details on the area will be submitted as the case progresses. The lawyers also noted that when the area was leased, the area was not under Ministry administration, with the agreement being made by using Ministry staff, lawyers, with no respect for laws.
The lawyers further said that whilst Adeeb had misappropriated the earnings from the sale, the administrative fees for the Ministry had not been taken.
The trial was concluded with the Judge granting a 15 day period to respond to the charges. In the next hearing, both the prosecution and the defense will be able to bring in witnesses.
Adeeb given 15 days to issue response
