Abdulla Ziyath, the former managing director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), has admitted that he had received the US$ 1 million cheque issued by Ebony Pvt Ltd for the sale of a lagoon in Male’ atoll.
During the second hearing on the case Sunday afternoon, Ziyath had denied the charges that he had embezzled the amount.
Ziyath is charged under clauses 215 (a) and 210 (b) (i) under the penal code.
In today’s hearing, Ziyath’s lawyers argued that the investigation can only be ordered by Attorney General, as per clause 48 (b) of the Financial Act. The lawyers stressed the investigation of the trial was conducted against the measures set by the said Act.
State lawyers responded, adding that the investigation was carried out under the Police Act and that the Act referred by the lawyers was no longer applicable.
Ziyath’s lawyers urged the court for leniency on his remand, stating that Ziyath was suffering from an ear condition and also said his second wife was close to the end of her pregnancy. However, the Court had not finalized a decision on the remand request.
In the next hearing, scheduled for February 15th, the state lawyers will present their witnesses and the Court will make a decision on how the case will progress.
Ex- VP Adeeb is a co-respondent in the case against Ziyath.
Ziyath admits to receiving US$ 1 million cheque
