Yameen Did Not Ask Permission to Attend Ceremony, Says Corrections

The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) clarified that former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has not sought permission to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Yameen, sentenced to 11 years in prison and fined USD 5 million on December 25, 2022, for money laundering and bribery charges related to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development, was moved from Maafushi Prison to his home in Male’ City on October 1. 

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

This occurred a day after Muizzu, the presidential candidate of the PPM-PNC coalition, won the Maldivian presidential election. 

MCS has eased the terms of his home confinement, allowing him to leave for essential meetings, health-related purposes, and exercise.

Despite these privileges, Yameen will need permission to attend Muizzu’s inauguration. An invitation to the ceremony has been extended to Yameen by the parliament, with MCS indicating that a decision on attendance will be made upon the submission of a formal request.

Muizzu entered the presidential race after the Supreme Court declared Yameen ineligible due to his conviction. Yameen, in turn, endorsed Muizzu, who secured victory on the PNC’s ticket.

Yameen’s home confinement was facilitated at Muizzu’s request. The President-elect, contesting the lawfulness of Yameen’s conviction, has expressed intentions to release him during his administration.