Faris’ attorneys say audio recording in bribery trial obtained illegally

Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon’s attorneys say the audio recording submitted as evidence on behalf of the State prosecution in the bribery trial against Faris was obtained illegally.

The audio recording is of a conversation between Ahmed Shafiu from Sweetflower in L. Fonadhoo and another individual. Shafiu is a suspect in another bribery case.

The State has presented the audio recording, script of the conversation, and testimony of the police officer who analyzed the audio recording as evidence.

One of Faris’ attorneys, Ibrahim Shameel said the State failed to clarify on what basis Shafiu’s conversation was eavesdropped and recorded. He has requested for the audio recording to be declared inadmissible on the basis that it was obtained illegally.

State prosecutor Aishath Mohamed said the recording was obtained by Police Intelligence, and that how and who made the recording was therefore confidential.