Detained judge tells court he has paraplegia

Justice Ali Hameed told a court he is suffering from paraplegia as a result of an injury caused during his arrest, local media reported, as he was given two days to appoint a lawyer for his terrorism trial.

He appeared in criminal court for a pretrial hearing on Monday and talked about his “worsening medical condition while in custody.”

The judge allowed Hameed to stay seated during proceedings. Hameed said he previously had a knee problem, but the paraplegia was caused due to an injury while climbing down the stairs during his arrest from the Supreme Court late on February 5.

Assistant prosecutor general Aishath Fazna said the arrest, recorded on video, did not show Hameed being injured and claimed he was being held in the special protection unit of Maafushi prison with special treatment and family visits.

Hameed said he was not demanding special treatment, but was in need of adequate medical care under the right to life. He also spoke about issues in getting medical care for his heart condition and high blood pressure.

Judge Adam Hailam said the court ordered special treatment for him after considering his medical state and that steps would be taken if authorities did not provide this extra care.

Hameed will be jailed for 17 to 20 years if convicted. He is also on trial for bribery, obstruction of justice and influencing official conduct.

Photo: Mihaaru