Yameen at Hulhumale’ for campaign event; Corrections uninformed

Former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, who is presently serving an 11-year prison sentence in home confinement, attended a campaign event held at Hulhumale’ Phase II on Sunday night.

Yameen attended a ‘Maahefun’ hosted by North Hulhumale’ constituency; a candidate who he has endorsed. The ‘Maahefun’ was organized as a gathering where supporters of Yameen could speak at the podium.

Yameen, the former leader of the ruling PPM-PNC coalition, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2022, on charges of bribery and money laundering in connection to the sale of V. Aarah.

He was transferred home on October 1, 2023 – a day after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu won the presidential elections.

Maldives Correctional Service later eased the terms of his home confinement, to allow him to leave the house to exercise and meet with people for crucial purposes among other things.

Corrections has stated that Yameen will be allowed to travel within the Male’ area for the purpose. However, they have stressed that the former president will not be allowed to engage in political activities.

Commenting on tonight’s event, Corrections told Sun that they have not been informed that Yameen will be participating in such an event.

Less than a week after President Muizzu took office in November, Yameen left the ruling coalition following internal conflicts, and initiated efforts to form a new party, People’s National Front (PNF).

Despite a ban in engaging in political activities – Yameen has attended various gatherings of his new party, still in the process of formation. He has expressed anger over the fact that he is unable to more frequently join the gatherings and speak on the podium.

At present, Yameen targets questions at supporters and candidates who speak at the podium at such gatherings instead of speaking himself. However, he had not done so at tonight’s event.