Faris bribery trial postponed

A bribery hearing of MP Faris Maumoon was postponed Tuesday after the opposition lawmaker complained about not getting enough time to meet his lawyers.

Faris, son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, allegedly bribed a fellow lawmaker before a no-confidence vote against the parliament speaker in July.

The MP for Dhiggaru requested to cancel proceedings at the start of the hearing.

“I have not been able to meet my lawyers for 10 days,” he told the court. “I am very grateful that your honour has worked to arrange meetings, but I have still not got that opportunity.”

Faris also referred to a new document received by his lawyers on Sunday and asked for hearings to continue once he had discussed it with his legal team.

The new document is a timeline of the police raid on his apartment during his arrest.

The opposition lawmaker said Maldives Correctional Services, which is holding him in detention, has assured him of a meeting and he requested to schedule the hearing for a date after that.

The state did not object, but prosecutor Aishath Mohamed said the document was not provided  earlier as it is not being used as evidence.

Judge Ali Adam scheduled the next hearing for November 13.

The current stage in the bribery trial focuses on the 23 pre-trial motions submitted by the defence.

Faris is also standing trial in a separate case of identity fraud for the alleged misuse of the logo and flag of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives at a press conference in March.

He denies all charges.