Faris’ bribery trial: State objects independent examination of forensic evidence

The State prosecution has objected to having an independent third party examine the forensic evidence against Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon in his bribery case.

The request for an independent examination of the forensic evidence was made by Faris’ attorneys. The request was not objected by the State prosecution during the past two hearings held in the trial. And the judge allowed for it.

However, during the hearing held this Wednesday, the State prosecutor said allowing a third party examination of the forensic evidence will delay the trial process. She said such a request had not been previously granted to a defendant. She said that allowing Faris the request while others may not be able to afford such a process was unfair.

Faris’ attorney, Maumoon Hameed responded that the defense has already come to agreement to run an independent examination of the forensic evidence with an Indian firm. He said the firm undertook forensic investigation with a Swiss firm.

He also said that it may take more than two weeks to conduct the independent examination due to constraints in meeting with Faris to discuss the case as he was currently detained.

The Criminal Court had granted Faris conditional release at the last hearing, held on January 25, taking into account the long time it will take to compete the examination, and the long time Faris had already spent in detention.

Faris was arrested again, on January 27, for investigation into allegations he bribed a parliamentarian in a conspiracy to overthrow the government.