Corrections: Yameen has not sought permission to attend Muizzu’s inauguration

Maldives Correctional Service states former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has not sought the permission of the service to attend the inauguration ceremony of president elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison and slapped with a USD 5 million fine on December 25, 2022, after he was found guilty of money laundering and bribery charges in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development.

He was transferred from his cell in Maafushi Prison to his home in Male’ City on October 1 – a day after PPM-PNC’s presidential candidate Muizzu won the Maldivian presidential election. The terms of his home confinement have been seriously eased by Maldives Correctional Service to allow the former president to leave his residence for crucial meetings and health-related purposes, including to exercise.

However, to attend Muizzu’s inauguration, he will have to seek Corrections’ permission.

Yameen has been sent an invitation to the inauguration ceremony by the parliament, undertaking arrangements for the ceremony. Corrections said they will make a decision on allowing him to attend or not, once a formal request is lodged.

Muizzu contested the election after the seven justices of the Supreme Court ruled Yameen was ineligible to contest in light of his conviction.

Yameen then endorsed Muizzu, who won the election on PNC’s ticket.

Yameen was transferred to home confinement at the request of Muizzu.

The president elect, describing Yameen’s conviction as unlawful, has said he would free Yameen in his administration. Muizzu has also said he will be attending his inauguration ceremony alongside Yameen.