Yameen requests stay order on jail sentence

Opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen has asked the High Court to stay the execution of his 11-year jail sentence in the MMPRC corruption scandal.

The Elections Commission has ruled that Yameen is ineligible to contest the presidential election due to his jail sentence and a USD 5 million fine associated with the fine. The Supreme Court on Sunday upheld the decision.

High Court spokesperson Ameen Faisal told Atoll Times on Monday that Yameen's lawyer had requested to stay the execution of the 11-year jail sentence and the fine imposed in connection with the sentence.

"In an email sent to the court earlier last night, they asked for a postponement of the sentence," he said.

Yameen's side had appealed the conviction in the High Court in February after he was convicted of money laundering and accepting bribes. However, Yameen's defence has not previously requested a postponement of the jail sentence.

Yameen's lawyers have not yet commented on the matter.

The appeal proceedings have been delayed due to leave of some High Court judges. The next hearing date is yet to be announced.

While Yameen's side asked for a stay of execution, PNC presidential candidate, Male Mayor Dr Mohamed Muizz has submitted his candidacy to the Elections Commission. The commission accepted Muizzu’s candidacy.

Yameen initially instructed his supporters to boycott the election. Yameen did not accept it at first when the senate of both PPM and PNC rejected his instructions.

However, while they were at the Dharubaaruge to submit Muizzu's candidacy form to the Elections Commission Monday morning, Yameen said in a message through PNC President Abdul Raheem Abdulla that he had decided to support Muizz.