High Court upholds Adeeb’s sentence over weapons possession

High Court has made the decision to uphold former Vice President and Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor’s 10-year prison sentence for weapons possession.

Adeeb was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of two pistols and an Improvised Explosive Device by Criminal Court on June 5, 2016.

The sentenced was appealed with High Court on June 20, 2016.

Adeeb’s lawyer submitted five points of contention.

He argued that Adeeb’s conviction was based purely on hearsay, which was a procedural violation in “absolute responsibility” cases.

The court said during the hearing this Monday morning that records of former statements and arguments made in court on behalf of Adeeb showed no claim by him that the case constituted as an "absolute responsibility” case.

Adeeb’s lawyer also argued that he wasn’t provided sufficient time and resources to prepare his defense. But the High Court countered that Adeeb was given the opportunity to cross-examine State witnesses on the day the witnesses gave their testimony, and that court documents proved Adeeb used the opportunity and cross-examined witnesses. The court ruled there was therefore no room for Adeeb to claim he wasn’t provided sufficient time and resources to prepare for the case as stated in the law.

Adeeb is serving 33 years in prison for three convictions. He is in the middle of two more trials.

Case summary:

- Case filed with Criminal Court on November 26, 2015

- First hearing on January 10, 2016

- Adeeb given 15 days to hire a lawyer

- Adeeb pleads “not guilty” during hearing held on February 15, 2016

- Judges: Judge Muhuthaz Fahmy (lead judge), Judge Ahmed Rasheed, Judge Saeed Ibrahim

- Bench of judges changes on June 1, 2016 with Judge Abdul Baaree Yoosuf as lead judge

- Trial concludes on June 4, 2016

- Adeeb sentenced on June 5, 2016