Corrections denies Yameen further easements as sought

Maldives Correctional Service has denied former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom further easements to the terms of his home confinement as requested by him.

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 Maafushi Prison to his home in Male’ City on October 1^st. Later on, Corrections significantly eased the term of his home confinement, allowing the former president to leave home to exercise and attend meetings among other purposes, limited to Male’, Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’.

Sun has learned that Yameen requested further easements to the terms of his home confinement seeking permission to participate in political activities.

An official from Corrections has confirmed to Sun that the service has informed Yameen of their decision against granting any further easements.

“We have informed that no further easements than the existing ones can be extended as it would contradict the law,” the official had said.

Although barred from engaging in political activities, Yameen continues to attend political meetings and events. Corrections have investigated Yameen for violating the terms of his confinement. Despite threatening to revoke existing easements if he continues in this trajectory, no action has been taken against the former president to date.