State has presented evidence against Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir to prove the use of cannabis charges against him, in relation to the MP's arrest from Haa Dhaalu Hondaidhoo in November last year.
Court today heard the statements of three policemen who were present at the scene during the MP’s arrest.
Jabir was arrested on suspicion of being intoxicated from Haa Dhaalu Hondaidhoo around 4:30 a.m. on 17 November 2012.
MP Jabir also presented evidence in his defence at the hearing today.
He said the State’s evidence cannot be admissible as the three policemen who’s statement’s the State has presented were among the men who had beaten him during his arrest, as validated by an investigation report by the Police Integrity Commission’s (PIC).
MP Jabir’s lawyer Ish’har Thaufeeq said the constitution states that evidence obtained by unlawful means cannot be admissible in court and thus, the policemen’s statements must not be accepted as evidence.
The Judge stated that the court will hear the confessions presented by the State and that the admissibility of the statements will be revealed along with the court’s ruling.
Ish’har Thaufeeq requested the police video of the arrest be presented to the court through the Prosecutor General’s Office. He said the PIC report states that the video shows a policeman kicking the MP.
The Judge concluded the hearing after ordering the prosecution to present the police video to court.