Closing arguments have been heard in the Criminal Court trial of former President Abdulla Yameen over the lease of Raa Fuggiri as part of the wider MMPRC corruption case.
Prosecutor Ahmed Shafeeu told the court that the island was leased to Dubai-based Classic Citi Island Holdings for $1.5 million to raise money for Yameen, after the company refused a plan that would have paid only a nominal $400,000 to the state. Yameen is accused of accepting and laundering a $1 million bribe.
Defence lawyers questioned why Yameen alone is being prosecuted after charges against others were dropped or not proven. The prosecutor replied that no one else occupied his position. A verdict is expected within 30 days.
The case is among the most closely watched of the long-running MMPRC investigations.