Faris asks High Court to halt identity theft trial

Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon has filed a motion with High Court, asking that it order a temporary halt to his identity theft trial underway in Criminal Court.

Faris has asked High Court to order Criminal Court and the State to do three things, and asked for a temporary halt to the trial until High Court looks into his concerns and makes its decision.

He has asked the High Court to order State to answer to his concerns, to share all evidence requested to prepare the defense in compliance with the law, and to issue a mandamus to

Prosecutor General to arrange for resources needed to prepare the defense.

Secondly, he asked High Court to cancel Criminal Court decision that Faris can be prosecuted based on a civil standard, and to issue a mandamus on Criminal Court to decide whether Faris can be prosecuted after he answers to the charge after he is provided material needed to answer the charge.

Lastly, he asked that High Court order Criminal Court to establish that all pre-trial submission be made via a form prepared in compliance with the regulation in Criminal Procedure Act.

Criminal Court made the decision that Faris can be prosecuted during the hearing held on Monday, July 31. The judge has asked that all pre-trial submissions be made before August 10.

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.

He faces up to nine months and 18 days in prison if convicted of the crime.