Chief Judge at the Criminal Court, Ahmed Hailam, who is also presiding over the trial of the former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, has said that he can deliver justice and he does not believe the trial needs more judges.

Speaking at the ongoing trial broadcasted on national television, the defence said that they have made a request at the Criminal Court and the Supreme Court to appoint a panel of judges to the trial.

Following the statement, Judge Hailam asked as to why that is and the defence responded that while the Chief Judge has the legal authority to form a bench, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is investigating a case regarding the judge and they could influence the judge as the JSC is made up of political figures.