PPM-PNC coalition leaders vow to free Yameen, re-elect him to office

Leaders from the opposition coalition, composed of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), vowed on Wednesday to engage in unified efforts to free former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and re-elect him to office.

The opposition leader was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Sunday, after he was found guilty of money laundering and bribery in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development during his administration.

The opposition coalition’s senate convened for a meeting Wednesday night, to discuss future party activities.

The senate passed a resolution with the vote of 89, which alleges that Yameen was imprisoned based on ‘evidence manufactured by his enemies’, and that the conviction against him was a ‘haram conviction’ against the constitution and Islamic principles.

“All members of this coalition vow to remain united in efforts to free him and do everything necessary to ascertain peace and security, and elect him to the office of the president,” reads the resolution.

The senate agreed not to cooperate in any initiatives by the government until Yameen is freed and stage nationwide protests calling for it.

The senate also renewed their vow for PPM and PNC to remain united and deny rivals the opportunity to divide the coalition.

Yameen, in addition to his 11-year prison sentence, was also imposed a fine of USD 5 million.

Yameen’s lawyers are preparing to appeal the conviction with the High Court.

The sentence against him had come a year after he was acquitted after getting convicted of similar charges in 2019.