Qasim faces trial in absentia

Criminal Court has notified the Leader of the Jumhooree Party, the MP for Maamigili constituency, Qasim Ibrahim that hearing set for tonight in his trial will continue even if he does not appear at court.

Qasim Ibrahim is currently admitted at ADK Hospital.

There are three charges pending against the MP following the suspicion of bribery.

After setting a hearing for 2 p.m. today, it was cancelled after the court was informed that Qasim cannot appear at court.

But the court slip sent to Qasim tonight said that if he does not appear at court tonight for the 8 p.m. hearing, the trial will proceed in his absence. Witness testimonies and debate on the evidence is on the agenda for the hearing tonight.

Qasim's legal representation, Hisaan Hussain said that the court was notified today that Qasim cannot appear in court due to his poor state of health and the same responded with the same reason for the court slip sent tonight.

Hisaan said that since the Constitution came into effect in 2008, trial in absentia has not been practiced in the Maldives. And this trial should not proceed in Qasim's absence.

Article 174-D of Criminal Proceedings state that if a person who has been summoned to the court cannot appear at the court due to an accepted excuse, they need to inform the court an hour before it starts.

Accepted excuses are:

- An illness that prevents a person from appearing at the court

- Turbulent weather preventing transportation at sea or land

- Another excuse accepted by the judge

There are punishments set for those who do not appear at the court without an accepted excuse which include detention and fines.

Qasim's lawyer, Hisaan said that the court has been informed as per the law.