Efforts underway to secure Yameen's release to house arrest for Ramadan: Opposition

Opposition coalition said on Wednesday that they are trying to shift their leader Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who is serving an 11-year prison sentence for accepting bribes and laundering money linked to the MMPRC corruption scandal, to house arrest for the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan.

Yameen was sentenced to prison on December 25 while he was handed  over the party's presidential ticket and already campaigning. Yameen had filed an appeal against the criminal court's verdict. 

Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, PNC Vice President Ibrahim Shujau said that the party is doing everything possible to ensure that Yameen is shifted to his home in time for the fasting month.

"We are using all our party resources to ensure that President Yameen is transferred to his home. We will not leave a stone unturned," Shujau said.

He said all the party's official parts were trying to ensure that Yameen could return home and spend some time with his family. Yameen being at home with his family, especially during the fasting period, is what the party wants, he said.

Opposition sources said they had decided to stage protests across the country on Friday as Yameen has not been allowed to be shifted to his home for the fasting month.