Maumoon’s condition worsens; wife allowed visit

The wife of former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Nasreena Ibrahim was allowed to visit him at Dhoonidhoo Custodial where he is being kept detained after his health condition worsened last Saturday night.

Maumoon’s attorneys have requested that Maumoon be transferred to house arrest after his doctor advised that he be looked after by an attendant at all times.

An official from Maumoon’s office confirmed to “Sun” this Sunday that Nasreena visited Maumoon in detention last Sunday night at the request of Maldives Police Service after his condition worsened.

The official said Nasreena returned to Male’ City after visiting Maumoon the same night. He said the Maldives Police Service hasn’t yet arranged for Maumoon to receive the services of a doctor.

When asked for a comment, the Maldives Police Service said it does not disclose information pertaining to the health of detainees, and refused to confirm Nasreena’s visit.

Maumoon’s attorney tweeted that the risk of Maumoon collapsing due to his worsening health was high, and said that his doctor has instructed that he not be left unattended. The attorney requested that Maumoon be transferred to house arrest before his condition further worsens.

Meanwhile, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed tweeted this Sunday that Maumoon can be transferred to house arrest without it damaging incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, politically.

Nasheed said that Yameen was treating his half-brother, Maumoon, in stark contrast to the normal practice by former presidents.

In a recent Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) rally at Rumaalu-2, Yameen said the authorities were unable to grant Maumoon house transfer due to high risk he may attempt to tamper with evidence, pointing out Maumoon’s refusal to handover his phone to investigators.

Maumoon is accused of staging a coup attempt to unseat President Yameen.

He has been charged with terrorism as well as an additional charge. Both trials are in progress at the Criminal Court.