NIC probing failure to take action against Yameen

National Integrity Commission (NIC) has launched an investigation over Maldives Correctional Service’s failure to take action against former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom for repeated violations of the terms of his house arrest.

NIC’s President Gasim Abdulla Kareem told Sun on Sunday that the Commission is presently gathering information from Corrections regarding the case.

“It (the case) is within a process at the moment,” he added.

Henceforth, he did not disclose further information regarding the investigation.

Yameen 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 to house arrest on October 1, 2023 – a day after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu won the presidential election.

But less than a week after President Muizzu took office in November, Yameen left the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) – People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition – and initiated efforts to form PNF.

Despite the law prohibiting him from engaging in active politics due to his conviction, Yameen continues to be heavily involved in PNF’s activities, even attending party meetings and campaign events.

He has been repeatedly warned by Corrections over infractions. However, no action has been taken against the former president to date.

Yameen has appealed his conviction with the High Court. While the appellant court wrapped up its hearings months back, it has yet to deliver a verdict.