Yameen Not Granted Permission to Attend Muizzu’s Swearing-In Ceremony

Former President Abdullah Yameen has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, however, the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) clarified he won’t be allowed to attend, in line with his current concessions.

Yameen, currently serving a prison sentence for money laundering, was informed by the Parliament that he would be invited to the ceremony, and the MCS was advised to extend the invitation to him. 

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Parliamentary Director of Communications Hassan Ziyau confirmed that the invitation would be dispatched to Yameen today.

Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu disclosed to Mihaaru media that the parliament sought information from the agency regarding the concessions granted to Yameen. These concessions reportedly include access to medical care, the ability to exercise, and meeting specific individuals without requiring special permission from the corrections department. 

However, attending ceremonies and rallies is not covered by these concessions.

Regarding the invitation to the swearing-in ceremony, Ahmed mentioned that MCS had not been formally informed and would decide whether to grant Yameen permission to attend.

Yameen, initially serving a five-year prison sentence, was placed under house arrest following the victory of opposition candidate Muizzu in the presidential election. Additional concessions were subsequently provided by the corrections department in a special agreement with Yameen.

Despite the granted concessions, Yameen has faced restrictions, with the MCS threatening to revoke the privileges if conditions are violated. Consequently, Yameen postponed his participation in political rallies, and a scheduled meeting in the Hiyaa area was canceled.

The Parliament has asserted that all former presidents will receive invitations to the swearing-in ceremony, with invitations extended to foreign leaders, heads, and members of state institutions. Preparations for the event, scheduled to take place at Republic Square, are currently underway, incurring a cost of MVR 22 million.