Corrections probe Yameen for visiting PNF office

Maldives Correctional Service states they are probing former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom for visiting the office of People’s National Front (PNF), the new political party he is forming.

Yameen visited the office located at the third floor of H. Hurafaage on Sunday night while membership form filling was underway.

Former minister Mohamed Maleeh Ali Jamal, who is leading the efforts to form PNF, posted a picture of Yameen on social media platform X, captioning he was at the party’s office.

When asked by Sun regarding Yameen’s visit to the office, Corrections, noting they were probing the matter, said action will be taken, if necessary.

Yameen left Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), where he served as the leader, on Thursday night, after disagreements between Yameen and other members of the party’s leadership came to a boil.

Hurafaage is also where PPM’s office and main party centre is located. The party has been instructed to vacate the premises by the owner of the building, following which the party has commenced efforts in this trajectory.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2022, after he was convicted of money laundering and bribery charges in the sale of V. Aarah for resort development. The High Court appeal of the conviction is nearing an end.

After President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu from People’s National Congress (PNC), PPM’s coalition partner, on the presidential election on September 30, he asked the caretaker president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, to use his executive powers to transfer Yameen from his prison to his home in Male’.

Yameen was transferred to home confinement the next day.

He was later granted additional easements to his home confinement, allowing him to leave his home for medical treatment, exercise, and to attend certain gatherings.

After these easements were granted, Yameen visited PPM’s office and met with supporters, engaging in political activities.

Subsequently, Corrections threatened to cancel the deal for breach.

The Prisons and Parole Act bans convicts enforcing sentences from engaging in political activities. Yameen has been strongly criticized for not adhering to this law.