Yameen Denies Prior Knowledge of Aarah Lease

Former President Abdulla Yameen, serving an 11-year sentence for bribery and money laundering related to leasing Aarah Island in Vaavu Atoll, denied prior knowledge of the lease during an appeal hearing. He stated that island leasing falls under the Ministry of Tourism, not the President's Office. Yameen was convicted for accepting a US$1 million bribe from former MP Yousuf Naeem in exchange for the lease. Yameen claimed the money was a foreign exchange transaction for political campaigning, not a bribe. He contested evidence presented by the state and noted that 'ordered by the President' phrasing did not imply direct involvement. He also cited police harassment for remaining silent during investigations. The appeal hearing concluded Yameen's evidence presentation; the state will argue next.

Former President Abdulla Yameen, serving an 11-year sentence for bribery and money laundering related to leasing Aarah Island in Vaavu Atoll, denied prior knowledge of the lease during an appeal hearing. He stated that island leasing falls under the Ministry of Tourism, not the President's Office. Yameen was convicted for accepting a US$1 million bribe from former MP Yousuf Naeem in exchange for the lease. Yameen claimed the money was a foreign exchange transaction for political campaigning, not a bribe. He contested evidence presented by the state and noted that 'ordered by the President' phrasing did not imply direct involvement. He also cited police harassment for remaining silent during investigations. The appeal hearing concluded Yameen's evidence presentation; the state will argue next.

Former President Abdulla Yameen, serving an 11-year sentence for bribery and money laundering related to leasing Aarah Island in Vaavu Atoll, denied prior knowledge of the lease during an appeal hearing. He stated that island leasing falls under the Ministry of Tourism, not the President's Office. Yameen was convicted for accepting a US$1 million bribe from former MP Yousuf Naeem in exchange for the lease. Yameen claimed the money was a foreign exchange transaction for political campaigning, not a bribe. He contested evidence presented by the state and noted that 'ordered by the President' phrasing did not imply direct involvement. He also cited police harassment for remaining silent during investigations. The appeal hearing concluded Yameen's evidence presentation; the state will argue next.

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