High Court overturns MP Riyaz’s acquittal
The Jumhooree Party deputy leader was charged with obstruction of law enforcement over his refusal to unlock his iPhone. He has been sentenced to nearly five months in prison.
24 Apr 2018, 9:00 AM
The High Court on Tuesday overturned MP Abdulla Riyaz’s acquittal on obstruction charges, after the state appealed the not guilty verdict in July last year.
The Jumhooree Party deputy leader was charged with obstruction of law enforcement over his refusal to unlock his iPhone. A three-judge panel of the criminal court ruled in July that criminal intent was not proven and that Riyaz was arrested in contravention of the parliamentary privileges law.
At a separate sentencing hearing, the High Court sentenced the former police chief to four months and 24 days, the maximum jail term for the obstruction charge, Raajje TV reported.
The MP for Thaa Kinbidhoo does not lose his seat as the constitution states that only MPs who are jailed for more than one year will be disqualified. However, he will not be able to attend parliament sittings or committee meetings.
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