Yameen warns jailing him would cost Muizzu public support
President Muizzu has denied these claims and has stated on several occasions that he will not interfere with the judiciary.
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Former President Abdulla Yameen on Wednesday said there was no legal basis to imprison him and claimed that any attempt to do so would further reduce President Mohamed Muizzu’s public support.
Yameen made the remarks while responding to a question from a supporter at a People’s National Front (PNF) rally held at Artificial Beach. He was asked what his next steps would be if he were unable to contest the next presidential election.
“Hopefully, there is no way I will be sentenced to prison. There is no way I can be arrested according to the law and judicial rules,” Yameen said. He referred to several cases currently before the courts, including those linked to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) scandal.
Yameen said he had previously been imprisoned during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, claiming the move was intended to secure a second term for the government. He said the effort failed and warned that repeating such an approach would be a mistake.
He said former President Solih had state power and external support but still failed to secure re-election. Yameen said any attempt by the current government to imprison him would have similar consequences.
“I am ready to face the consequences of what I have done. If this government wants to put me in prison, let them do so,” he said.
Yameen reiterated his claim of innocence and said he had not left the Maldives, unlike some other politicians. He said his political activity was not driven by fear of imprisonment.
He also said President Muizzu was aware of the level of public support he holds in the Maldives and warned that taking action against him would reduce that support.
Yameen said he had previously been detained before being sentenced and spoke against vandalism and unlawful actions, stating that his views were shaped by personal experience. He said he would admit wrongdoing if he had committed any offences.
Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison in connection with the V. Aarah lease case, which resulted in his disqualification from contesting the 2023 presidential election.
He has repeatedly alleged government influence over the courts. President Muizzu has denied these claims and has stated on several occasions that he will not interfere with the judiciary.
