Opposition Leader and former President Abdullah Yameen have said that he is not in a position to influence a witness in the Aarah trial.
Aarah trial, where President Yameen is accused of misusing his position and taking a bribe to facilitate the sale of the island, V. Aarah. In connection with the trial, the prosecution has already filed a complaint alleging that former President Yameen is trying to intimidate witnesses in the V. Aarah trial.
However, speaking at a press conference at the PPM office tonight, President Yameen said that the allegation of him trying to influence the witnesses in connection with the Aarah lease transaction is a blatant lie. If he is said to be influencing the Arrange issue, there must be evidence, he said.
"Why should I influence the case today? This case has been going on for a while. If I am influencing, someone should have proof of it.” President Yameen said.
President Yameen said he knew that influencing evidence was a crime, and questioned whether he would want to be sentenced for influencing a witness. He also accused that the allegations are political and those who are making such allegations will not take responsibility.
President Yameen said if there is strong evidence of his influence on the evidence, he will submit an investigation. Therefore, it is a blatant lie, he said.
“I am not in a position to influence a witness,” he said.
Allegations of President Yameen influencing witnesses or evidence came to light, after complaints were raised against Mohammed Hussain (Oitte), who lives in the UK, and has testified against President Yameen in the Aarah case. After his testimony, he has been charged with violating British law.
Following this, a case was filed with the police and Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem on behalf of the Maldives Legal Bureau. The bureau has sent a letter to the relevant authorities, accusing President Yameen, of trying to influence the testimony of witnesses. The letter also alleged that President Yameen was trying to influence those in the UK to cancel their asylum. Therefore, the letter also asked for immediate action against President Yameen.
Aarah trial, where President Yameen is accused of misusing his position and taking a bribe to facilitate the sale of the island, V. Aarah. In connection with the trial, the prosecution has already filed a complaint alleging that former President Yameen is trying to intimidate witnesses in the V. Aarah trial.
However, speaking at a press conference at the PPM office tonight, President Yameen said that the allegation of him trying to influence the witnesses in connection with the Aarah lease transaction is a blatant lie. If he is said to be influencing the Arrange issue, there must be evidence, he said.
"Why should I influence the case today? This case has been going on for a while. If I am influencing, someone should have proof of it.” President Yameen said.
President Yameen said he knew that influencing evidence was a crime, and questioned whether he would want to be sentenced for influencing a witness. He also accused that the allegations are political and those who are making such allegations will not take responsibility.
President Yameen said if there is strong evidence of his influence on the evidence, he will submit an investigation. Therefore, it is a blatant lie, he said.
“I am not in a position to influence a witness,” he said.
Allegations of President Yameen influencing witnesses or evidence came to light, after complaints were raised against Mohammed Hussain (Oitte), who lives in the UK, and has testified against President Yameen in the Aarah case. After his testimony, he has been charged with violating British law.
Following this, a case was filed with the police and Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem on behalf of the Maldives Legal Bureau. The bureau has sent a letter to the relevant authorities, accusing President Yameen, of trying to influence the testimony of witnesses. The letter also alleged that President Yameen was trying to influence those in the UK to cancel their asylum. Therefore, the letter also asked for immediate action against President Yameen.
