The Criminal Court of the Maldives is expected to deliver its verdict in the case involving former Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who is accused of providing false testimony that resulted in losses to the state.
The Criminal Court has concluded hearings after allowing both sides to present their closing arguments. The court is required to deliver its verdict within 30 days of the conclusion of closing arguments.
Former Minister Muizzu has been charged over his role in leading to losses to the state in compensating Noomadi Resorts and Residences Private Limited after the previous administration terminated the agreement signed with the company for the development of 1,100 housing units in the Maldives. Following the termination of the agreement, Noomadi filed the case to The Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration to seek compensation in 2019.
During the arbitration hearings, Muizzu testified in favour of Noomadi, saying that the agreement was wrongfully terminated while the company was proceeding with the project according to schedule. He also claimed that he was not involved in negotiations between the state and the company regarding the termination of an agreement regarding an island granted for resort development.
The current administration reached a settlement agreement with Noomadi for USD55 million after the company initially sought compensation of USD155 million. Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has stated that the argument of the state was weakened at the arbitration court following a false statement given by Muizzu in favour of Noomadi. He said the compensation amount would have been much lower had Muizzu not testified against the state.
Muizzu has denied he had given false testimony. He faces a 24-day jail sentence if found guilty.