Nareesh refuses to give defence statement for Yameen

Former Deputy Mayor of Male' City Ahmed Nareesh has informed the court that he does not wish to deliver a statement as a defence witness in the R. Fuggiri case against former President Abdulla Yameen.

A hearing was held at the Criminal Court today in the case where Yameen is accused of accepting USD 1 million in bribes for the leasing of Fuggiri and subsequent money laundering.

In a mail sent to the court prior to the hearing, key defence witnesses Nareesh and FSM Deputy Managing Director Shuaullah Saeed refused to provide statements.

Neither was present at today's hearing. The two are currently out of the country, Mihaaru News has reported.

The two witnesses were proposed to prove that the USD 1 million deposited to Yameen's account was exchanged to Dhivehi Rufiya.

In respond to the witnesses' refusal, the Judge pointed out that they can be taken into custody and presented at court. However, Yameen's lawyer responded that Yameen did not wish to force them to provide statements.

The Judge decided to grant them an additional chance, and scheduled a hearing for next month to take the witness statements.

While Nareesh has refused to provide a statement, the previous political relationship no longer exists between him and Yameen. Nareesh remains as a member of ruling People's National Congress, while Yameen is open in his opposition to this government.

After resigning from the post of Deputy Mayor, Nareesh currently serves in a ministerial rank position of Advisor at the Youth Ministry.

Earlier, another defence witness, Sun company owner and Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam had also refused to provide a statement.