Maumoon allowed to meet attorneys

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s attorneys have been allowed to meet him, after they expressed concern over lack of permission for any meetings since last Friday.

Maumoon’s attorneys said both they and Maumoon’s family have been denied meetings with him since Friday. They said the family went to submit visitation forms to the Maldives Correctional Service’s office this Sunday, but were informed by officials that they will not be allowed any meetings due to the State of Emergency which has been declared in the country.

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

He said the procedure was applicable to all prisoners and detainees, not just Maumoon.

Maumoon’s attorneys had expressed concern over the denial of any meetings, and filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) over the issue.

MCS now reports the attorneys have been given permission to meet Maumoon.

“Maumoon is doing well. Permission for both phone and face-to-face communication has now been granted,” said Lugman.

MCS says Maumoon will not be allowed any family visits as security has been tightened at Maafushi Prison, where Maumoon is being kept detained on charges of terrorism and attempt to overthrow the government.

Lugman said family visits will be allowed once the situation returns to normal.

Maumoon was arrested within hours a State of Emergency was declared in the country. He was first taken to Dhoonidhoo Custodial, from where he was transferred to Maafushi Prison.