Opposition protest calling to release ex-pres Yameen

Opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lead protests calling for the release of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, following the delivery of his 11-year jail sentence.

The protest commenced near the Majeedhee Magu – Chaandhanee Magu junction. Participants were seen holding flags, and banners, and walking towards the artificial beach area.

Maldives Police Service has confirmed that 16 arrests have been made from the protest so far.

A spokesperson for the Police who spoke with Sun revealed that 15 men and one woman were brought into their custody.

Police have informed the protestors to leave the area, and are active in large numbers.

Yameen was sentenced on Sunday and has now been taken to Maafushi Prison.

The Criminal Court earlier in the day sentenced the opposition leader to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of money laundering and bribery.

The sentencing was made at around 1800 hrs, and he was taken to Maafushi Prison via a vessel of Maldives Correctional Services at around 1940 hrs.

Yameen was charged with money laundering and bribery in connection to the sale of V. Aarah for resort development during his administration.

He was accused of abusing his position and taking a USD 1 million bribe to facilitate the sale of Aarah to Yoosuf Naeem, a former parliamentary representative for the Felidhoo constituency, and laundering the money.

The state has also charged Naeem with giving the bribe.

Both defendants were ruled guilty of the charges against them during a hearing this afternoon.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison for both charges against him. He was also slapped with a USD 5 million fine, which he needs to settle with  Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) within a period of six months.

Meanwhile, Yoosuf Naeem was sentenced to three years, two months and 12 days in prison.

Criminal Court, on Sunday afternoon, found Yameen guilty on both charges.

The sentencing in Yameen’s case came after a recess in the hearing, which extended for hours.