Faris given additional time to make plea due to detention

Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon has been given additional time to prepare his plea in the identity theft case as he didn’t have sufficient time to meet his lawyers due to his detention.

Speaking during the preliminary hearing of the case held at Criminal Court this Sunday, Faris’ lawyer Maumoon Hameed said the defense hadn’t had sufficient time to prepare as Faris had been kept detained for investigation into the bribery case against him. He requested that additional time be provided to the defense.

The request was granted by the judge, who said the police would be instructed to make arrangements for Faris to meet his lawyers.

During the preliminary hearing of the case held on July 17, Faris denied any wrongdoing but refused to make his plea.

Maumoon Hameed said Faris refused to make his please because the Prosecutor General’s

Office had not shared the information the defense required, and can only make their plea when they received the information.

He said the PG’s Office had then sent a CD and letter to Faris, but it had arrived while Faris had been in detention. He said that the letter said many of the information cannot be disclosed.

Maumoon also said that Faris was being detained illegally.

The judge said he couldnt comment on Faris’ detention as did not pertain to the case he was overseeing.

The judge said the defense had the right to appeal the detention at High Court if they had any concerns.

The judge scheduled the preliminary hearing to July 31, and said it would be the last and final chance for the defense to present its plea.

Faris is accused of identity theft for allegedly using Progressive Party of Maldives’ flag and logo during a press conference held at Mookai Suites on March 12, after he was dismissed from the party.

The preliminary hearing in the case this Sunday was attended by Fari’s father – former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.