The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by state prosecutors seeking to introduce new evidence in the Aarah case involving former President Abdulla Yameen.

The appeal challenged a ruling by the High Court, which had overturned Yameen’s conviction for money laundering and bribery in connection with the Aarah case and ordered a retrial of former Felidhoo MP Yoosuf Naeem. 

While reopening the trial, the High Court decided not to accept additional evidence submitted by the prosecution.

At the latest Supreme Court hearing, prosecutors argued that the High Court is wrong in refusing to admit the evidence, which they said was necessary to counter the testimony of defense witnesses. 

They requested that the matter of admissibility be referred back to the lower courts for determination during retrial proceedings.

Defense lawyers, including former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and attorney Hamza Latheef, maintained that the prosecution’s submission was procedurally flawed and based on an irrelevant legal provision.

The case was heard by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Aisha Shujoon, Justice Dr Mohamed Ibrahim, and Justice Abdulla Hameed. 

The bench has concluded hearings and announced that a verdict date will be declared later.

In addition to the Aarah case, Yameen is also facing separate money laundering charges in the R. Fuhgiri case, which is currently being heard at the Criminal Court.