Imran requests that another judge to preside over case

Adhaalath Party leader Abdulla Imran has requested with both Criminal Court and Supreme Court to change the judge presiding over his case.

The case is currently being presided over by Judge Abdul Baaree Yoosuf.

Member of Imran’s legal team, Adhaalath Party Deputy Leader Ali Zahir spoke to “Sun” on Thursday and said that the change had been request because they believed Judge Baaree had deviated from common legal standards in conducting trials.

Ali Zahir said that the bench of judges previously overseeing the trial had been dissolved without transparency and justice in a move that was highly questionable.

He said that Judge Baaree said during the last hearing on the case on January 17, that he had made the decision. A move which Imran feels puts into question whether Judge Baaree is free from influence, as it came before prosecution and defense had not provided list of witnesses they wished to testify.

Ali Zahir said that Imran had also requested with High Court that the trial be paused until Supreme Court makes its decision.