The former Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), Azima Adam has been named as defence witness in the trial of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Defence attorney, Ali Shah presented the name as a defence witness at the hearing today at the Criminal Court. They also presented a press statement from MMA as a document evidence.

The prosecution brought forth their first witness today, the President of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Muavviz Rasheed.

Attorney for President Yameen, Ali Shiyaz raised questions about the testimonies of some witnesses stating that it is clear from their testimonies that they are being influenced.

Judge presiding, Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Ahmed Hailam said that a decision has been made to accept the witness testimonies and if such a situation arises, the Judge will make a decision on the review.

The ACC President gave his accounts in court today despite the objections from the defence.

In his testimony, Muavviz said that the ACC began investigating the money laundering in 2015 and confirmed that the money went to President Yameen’s account in 2016.