Monday’s hearing abandoned after Nadheem caught unaware of switch in judges

The hearing this Monday at the Criminal Court in the case against Yumna Maumoon’s spouse, Mohamed Nadheem, was abandoned as Nadheem was caught unaware of the change in the judge presiding over the case.

Nadheem has been charged with terrorism and accused of complicity in a plot to overthrow incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

The case was previously presided over by Judge Hussain Shaheed, who was replaced by Judge Ahmed Hailam during this Monday’s hearing.

Nadheem’s attorney said he wasn’t informed of the change in the judge presiding over the case, as stated in the Criminal Procedure Code.

Article 152 of the Criminal Procedure Code states that the Chief Judge of the court needs to inform the prosecution/plaintiff and the defendant of any change in the presiding judge.

Nadheem’s attorney raised the procedural issue at court and Judge Hailam said the hearing will be held at a later date.

Nadheem, the son-in-law of former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has been implicated in the events following the Supreme Court order issued on February 1.