The Criminal Court has scheduled a hearing for Sunday to decide on MP Faris Maumoon’s pre-trial proposal in the identity fraud allegations made against him.

Faris is being charged with identity fraud for having used the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives’ flag and logo at a press conference hosted by opposition parties. The party has been divided since 2016, with one faction remaining loyal to its longstanding leader and founder, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom – who happens to be the parliamentarians father.

At the pre-trial hearing held last Thursday, the defence had proposed that the trial be suspended until the Supreme Court implements the provisions passed in the Criminal Procedure Code.

Faris had also proposed that the charges be dismissed on the grounds of malicious prosecution, claiming that the investigative team and state prosecutors had acted outside procedure.

The defence had also proposed -- based used by the investigative team – that charges be dismissed. They had also proposed that charges be dismissed on the grounds that it violates Article 17 of the constitution, on non-discriminatory prosecution.

Faris had also proposed that pieces of evidence acquired by the police be omitted as they were acquired unlawfully and is therefore inadmissible, and that witnesses to be presented against the parliamentarian be made known to his lawyers.

The parliamentarian is currently being detained by the Maldives Correctional Service, and the police have filed additional charges for bribery against him.