Yameen resubmits appeal with court recommendations
Jameel expects Yameen to be released before the presidential election.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's appeal against his 11-year jail sentence in the V. Aarah case has been revised and submitted again to the High Court.
On December 25, the Criminal Court found Yameen guilty of money laundering and accepting a bribe, in connection with the MMPRC corruption scandal and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
The sentence was challenged on his behalf on February 21.
High Court had on March 9 directed Yameen's attorneys to amend the appeal application and resubmit it.
Adam Shameem, who is part of Yameen's legal team, told Atoll Times on Thursday that the High Court's recommendation to amend the appeal form has been completed and resubmitted on Wednesday.
Yameen's verdict:
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Four years for bribery
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Seven years in prison with a fine of USD 3.4 million (MVR 53 million) for money laundering
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A total sentence of 11 years in prison
At a time when Yameen's 11-year prison sentence has threatened to deprive him of the chance to run in the upcoming presidential elections, his lawyers say they are trying to appeal the case as soon as possible. However, a a press conference this week, Yameen's top attorney, former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel also pointed out that Yameen’s team needed to work "hard" to get justice given the state of the country's judiciary.
However, Jameel expects Yameen to be released before the presidential election.
