Former President, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has pleaded not guilty to the charges of money laundering and accepting bribes.

During the preliminary hearing of the case held at the Criminal Court today, President Yameen had pleaded not guilty upon being asked by Chief Judge Mohamed Shakeel.

However, he added that to prepare an adequate defense to the case, related documents were required which have been held by the state. He also explained that his legal team will detail the reasoning why he has pleaded not guilty.

Explaining why the former President has pleaded not guilty, President Yameen’s lead counsel and former Vice President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed said that even though the defense noted that the charges and basis of the case was unclear to them, the court had decided for them that these points would be clear to them. In addition to this, he added that they have not been able to prepare a proper defense, since the state has decided to hold back some related documents to the case, which he described as a violation of the defendant's rights.

Dr. Jameel said that both the charges pressed against the former President by the Prosecutor General does not involve any criminal activity and described the charges as politically charged.

No statements were made from the state during the hearing.

Wrapping up the hearing, Judge Shakeel announced that a preliminary hearing for the case will be held within the first 10 days of the next month. This hearing will be based on evidence submission, including any other relevant documents.