Maumoon barred from meeting family, attorneys

Maldives Correctional Service informs former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been barred from meeting any of his family members or his attorneys, says Maumoon’s family.

Maumoon is currently being kept detained at Maafushi Prison on charges of attempting to topple President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration, and terrorism.

Secretary-General of Maumoon’s faction, Abdul Aleem reported to “Sun” that Maumoon’s family went to MCS’s office this Sunday to submit a form requesting transportation of some items to Maumoon, and meetings between him and his family and attorneys, but that they were told by the officials at MCS that their request cannot be accepted during the State of Emergency that has been invoked.

“That’s what the [officials at] Correction’s counter said. That’s what they said when they went with the form for a family meeting, meeting with attorneys and some items to send to him. But the [officials at the] counter said they can send money. The family agreed to it, but then they called someone and later said money cannot be sent either,” said Aleem.

The media official at MCS, Ahmed Lugman said it is a procedure observed to when prisons are on alert during a State of Emergency.

Lugman said the procedure was applicable to all prisoners and detainees.

Maumoon was arrested hours after the State of Emergency was invoked, on February 5. Both his attorneys and his family members were allowed to meet him while he was kept detained at Dhoonidhoo Custodial. And he was even sent items he needed by his family.