Hearing cancelled as MP Hamid fails to attend court

Criminal Court has today cancelled the hearing for MP Hamid Abdul Gafoor’s case for refusing to provide urine samples to the authorities following his arrest from Haa Dhaalu Hondaidhoo in November last year.

A Criminal Court official said the hearing was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. today

MP Hamid is seeking refuge inside the parliament building, avoiding arrest. Police has asked the Speaker of the Parliament to assist in the arrest of MP Hamid, to produce him before the court.

A police media official said they have forwarded a letter to the court, a reply from the parliament to the police's request to provide assistance in the MPs arrest. Parliament did not express support, police said.

The next hearing for MP Hamid’s case will hear witnesses against the defendant.

Article 3 (b) of the law on privileges of parliament members prohibits authorities from arresting MPs while inside the parliament building or while attending or leaving the parliament.