Dhiggaru constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon's legal team has said the Criminal Court can only move forward with the bribery charges against him after the Supreme Court creates the necessary regulations under the Criminal Procedure Act.

He made the statement at Tuesdays' hearing of the case, where both prosecutors and defence were given the opportunity to speak in detail regarding the documents submitted to court.

Faris' lawyer, Maumoon Hameed emphasized that the Criminal Court does not have the authority to continue with the case prior to the regulations being made.

He said that the Court's decision to move forward with the case will result in his client being deprived of his rights guaranteed under the Constitution, adding that this shows Criminal Court is intervening in the executive powers granted to the Supreme Court.

Hameed called on the Court to halt the trial, until the Supreme Court is able to form the necessary regulations.

However, prosecutors argued that despite the lack of regulations, that the MP will receive all the rights granted to him by Maldivian laws, as well as the Constitution, adding that Criminal Procedure Act states a time period to commence the trial, after raising charges against an individual.

Prosecutors, who had previously asked to anonymize their witness, further requested for Faris to be absent when the witness testifies in court. They claimed that if Faris was present, that he will have the opportunity to influence the witness. They also said that the request "is for the safety and protection of the witness".

Hameed argued that there is no way for Faris to influence the witness' testimony as he does not know their identity, highlighting that he did not understand how Faris could influence the witness as they are giving their testimony in court.

He further criticized the Prosecutor General, saying that she does not follow any procedures when levying charges. Hameed noted that a parliamentarian had confessed to "distributing" money remains free, adding that there have been no investigations into the matter. Faris' team had submitted the necessary documents to support this claim.

Prosecutors responded that investigative bodies are carrying out investigations over the matter, and that the state does not have the power to raise charges while the investigation continues.