Yameen denied permission to participate in politics

Correctional service has denied a request by former President Abdulla Yameen, who is serving a prison sentence under house arrest, to allow him to participate in political activities.

Yameen, who was serving an 11-year jail sentence for money laundering and bribery over the leasing of V. Aarah as part of the MMPRC corruption scandal during his presidency, was placed under house arrest on October 1 after his party's victory in the presidential runoff on September 30.

During the transition period, then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also relaxed his house arrest conditions including allowing him meet people without prior permission and letting him go out for exercise. 

The People's National Front (PNF), which is being formed by Yameen loyalists after he split from PPM just two weeks in President Mohamed Muizzu's government, expressed concern earlier this month that no concessions had been made in President Muizzu's government, which came to power with Yameen's backing.

Corrections spokesperson Aminath Yusreen Ahmed told Atoll Times on Tuesday that Yameen had asked for more concessions.

“However, it has been informed that there are legal conflicts and no relief can be given,” Yusreen said.

When asked when Yameen made the request and what the concessions he sought were, Yusreen said she could not disclose the information.

However, a reliable source told Atoll Times that Yameen had requested the correctional service to allow him to participate in political activities.

“Convicts cannot be allowed to participate in political activities under law,” the source said.

Correctional service had earlier launched investigations after Yameen participated in political activities on two occasions, but the progress of the investigations are unclear.