Corrections probing ex-pres Yameen for campaigning

Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has begun investigating former President Abdullah Yameen, who is serving a jail sentence at home, for allegedly participating in a campaign rally for the upcoming parliamentary elections on Sunday evening.

Yameen attended a campaign event in the Hiyaa area of Hulhumale Phase II on Sunday. It was held at the opening of the booth of Ahmed Latheef, who is contesting the Hulhumale North constituency with Yameen’s support. This is the first time Yameen has participated in a parliamentary election campaign this openly.

Corrections Media Officer Aminath Yusreen told Atoll Times on Monday that the service is looking into the case of Yameen's participation in the campaign event held on Sunday.

Yusreen did not give any further details.

Several people spoke at the rally on Sunday, but Yameen did not. The host at the meeting said Yameen did not speak on the podium because he did not have permission.

Yameen is attending a series of rallies being held at the PNF main camp. Although Yameen does not speak at the podium, he sits in the audience and answers questions and conveniently relays his message.

When he had first attended his party camp meetings, Corrections said even then that they were looking into the matter. Since then, no action has been taken and Yameen has been participating regularly in his party’s political activities, and now campaigning for parliamentary elections as well. 

Former President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih, on October 1, 2023, transferred Yameen to house arrest as he was serving an 11-year jail term in connection with the MMPRC scam. His transfer was made under conditions:

The conviction had been appealed in the High Court. While the trial has now reached a verdict, his lawyers have expressed concern over the delay in a ruling.