Qasim's trial for tonight cancelled as well

The hearing in the trial of Jumhooree Party, the MP for Maamigili constituency, Qasim Ibrahim set for tonight has been cancelled as well.

The hearing was initially set for 2 p.m. today before it was cancelled after the court was informed that Qasim cannot attend due to his medical state. The MP is still admitted at ADK Hospital.

When the court slip was sent for the re-scheduled hearing tonight, the court said that the hearing will be held in absentia if Qasim failed to appear. It is unclear as to the exact reason the hearing was cancelled.

Qasim's lawyer, Hisaan Hussain said that the court was informed that his client cannot appear in court due to his medical state and the same response was given for the court slip for the hearing 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 51-F of the Constitution states that the people have the right to defend themselves in court with the help of an attorney of his choice.

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.