The case of money laundering against former President Abdulla Yameen has ended the preliminary hearings and moved on to trial, where the state were given the chance to present their case against the former president.

Chief Judge of Criminal Court Ahmed Hailam had rejected all defenses presented by the defense and moved on to a trial citing that the defenses provided by President Yameen to counter the charges of the prosecution were not strong enough to clear him of any of the allegations.

While presenting the case, Senior Public Prosecutor Aishath Mohamed had noted that the former president is being charged with money laundering under the Law on Stopping Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing. The prosecution had said that the USD 1 million deposited to the Islamic Bank account of President Yameen by SOF on two counts, were money due to be received by the government through the lease and sale of lagoons and islands by MMPRC.

The prosecution had also presented their witnesses during the hearing as well.