The Criminal Court has granted former parliamentarian Yusuf Naeem a 10-day period to appoint a legal counsel in the state prosecution against him over the V. Aarah leasing corruption case.

While President Abdulla Yameen faces charges of taking a USD 1 million bribe and laundering the funds through the V. Aarah tourism lease, Yusuf Naeem is prosecuted for allegedly giving a bribe to President Yameen.

Both individuals were previously convicted by the Criminal Court—with Yameen receiving an 11-year prison sentence and a $5 million fine, and Yusuf Naeem receiving a sentence of 3 years, 2 months, and 12 days. However, following successful appeals through higher courts, the Supreme Court nullified the previous rulings and ordered the Criminal Court to re-examine the case.

Following a one-year hiatus, the Aarah trial resumed yesterday. While yesterday's hearing focused on President Yameen's proceedings, today's hearing centered on Yusuf Naeem. Presiding Judge Ali Nadeem clarified the current status of the case following the higher court rulings.

During today's hearing, state attorneys requested to proceed with debating the elements of the offense. However, Yusuf Naeem requested an opportunity to appoint a lawyer. Consequently, Judge Nadeem granted a 10-day window for legal representation and adjourned the hearing until after the deadline.