MDP taking Yameen's release to JSC is a joke: PNC

Ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has claimed the main opposition MDP's complaint to Judicial Services Commission (JSC) over the delays in former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's appeal hearing is a joke.

It has been nearly four months since the appeal hearing on the crimnal sentence of the former president ended, however, the verdict is still pending.

The former president was found guilty by the Criminal Court on December 25, 2022 for the charges of money laundering and graft in the lease of Vaavu atoll Aarah.

Parliament Speaker Mohamed Aslam recently announced the opposition party was moving forward to submit the complaint over the delay in Yameen's appeal to JSC.

In a press conference on Sunday, PNC's senior spokesperson Heena Waleed criticized MDP and Aslam for their decision calling it was a "big joke".

"Their claim of taking the issue to JSC for the release of Yameen is nothing but a big joke for us," Heena jabbed.

She further highlighted the three judges in the High Court bench presiding over Yameen's appeal were all appointed during the previous MDP-led government. Heena also said that while Aslam has claimed he would take the matter to JSC, its majority consists of MDP members including the Speaker.

"JSC is comprised of MDP members, the Parliament speaker is taking the case to a commission which has their party's majority. So, it truly is a big joke," Heena added.

She affirmed the current government was not vindictive, but alleged MDP took Super Majority of the 19th parliament assembly after imprisoning Yameen.

"Take a look now, all the opposition members, its leaders and the party are campaigning free and openly. Our party has intervened it," Heena, who is also the current CEO of NSPA said.

Meanwhile, Yameen has made multiple allegations the current government did not intend to release the former PPM leader.

While he was sentenced for 11 years in jail during the former government, he was transferred to house arrest around the culmination point of Solih's administration. 

Besides this, Yameen was provided with leniencies to step out of his residence for exercise and medical checkups. However, his political activities were restricted by relevant authorities.

Despite the restriction, Yameen had actively participated in multiple PNF rallies; the new party he is attempting to start.

Though Maldives Correctional Service warned Yameen against partaking in political activities, the authority has not taken any action against him so far.