Yameen was cautioned in line with the law, not appropriate to comment: Abdul Raheem

Director General of Transitions and Chairman of People's National Congress (PNC) Abdulla Abdul Raheem has stated that the party and its coalition member Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had not issued any statements on the caution given to former President Abdulla Yameen from Maldives Correctional Services as it had been issued in accordance with the laws, making it inappropriate for the parties to comment.

Abdul Raheem said that the caution was issued in accordance with the Prisons and Parole Act, making it inconsequential for the coalition to comment on the matter.

"We are repeatedly stating that this government is strategically and deliberately acting in injustice towards President Yameen. This is what we have said before, and what we are repeating now. That is what we continue to believe," he said.

He expressed belief that Yameen would have acted in line with the conditions set by Corrections, alleging that Corrections may have later on changed the terms.

Corrections cautioned Yameen that they will strip away the leniencies they had recently granted him if he continues to participate in political activities.

The leniencies granted to him allow him to leave the house for exercise and medical purposes after prior notice to Corrections. He was transferred to house arrest after the PPM/PNC victory in September's presidential election. Prior to that he was in prison, serving an 11 year sentence for a conviction on bribery and money laundering.

Corrections issued the warning after Yameen had attended a number of gatherings at the PPM offices, and had planned to hold a rally today to meet with Hiyaa flat residents.

PPM/PNC leadership was noticeably absent at both the gatherings Yameen held at the PPM offices. Abdul Raheem explained the absences, stating that during the first meeting, the leadership had been attending another event featuring the President Elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The second gathering Yameen held was also missed because the leadership had to escort Muizzu to the airport for his private trip to Singapore.

Abdul Raheem maintains that PPM/PNC share the same ideals and that Muizzu had worked during the elections, and after his success, in alignment with advice from Yameen.