Court challenged over Faris identity fraud trial

The legal team of MP Faris Maumoon have questioned the court’s authority to proceed with his identity fraud trial.

Faris, the son of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was charged with identity fraud over the use of the flag and logo of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives at a joint opposition press conference in March.

At a preliminary hearing Sunday morning, Maumoon Hameed from the three-member legal team said the trial could not take place because the Supreme Court had yet to publish new regulations governing the conduct of trials.

Hameed had previously told reporters that “the absence of this regulation affects the right to a fair trial and the criminal court does not have the authority to frame this regulation because the criminal procedures law clearly states it is the responsibility of the Supreme Court”.