President Yameen serving sentence in SPU of Maafushi Prison

The former President Abdulla Yameen who was convicted of money laundering last Thursday is serving his five-year sentence in a special protection unit (SPU) of Maafsuhi Prison, Maldives Correctional Services has stated.

The former President was initially taken to the Male’ Prison after his verdict to carry out medical examinations which would determine the prison where he would serve his sentence. After the tests were concluded on Friday, he was moved to the Maafushi Prison in Kaafu Atoll.

The SPU where President Yameen is being held was built during his administration to house political figures. The SPU has previously held former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed as well. These units were also where current Home Minister Imran Abdulla, former Defense Minister Colonel Mohamed Nazim, and former Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim.

The former President was previously jailed by the Criminal Court pending the outcome of his trial for money laundering. ”Sun” had learned that the SPU which held the former President on that occasion was the very same one where his elder brother former President Maumoon was held.

President Yameen’s lawyers have raised concerns regarding the condition of the cell where he was held in Male’ Prison, prompting the Human Rights Commission to visit the prison.