Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, on Thursday, was sentenced to three months and 18 days of imprisonment over his failed attempt to flee Maldives while under a travel ban.
During a preliminary hearing held on Tuesday, the former vice-president pleaded guilty to charges of obstructing the administration of law levied against him by the Prosecutor General's Office.
Adeeb had attempted to flee aboard 'Virgo 9', a Singapore-flagged tug, posing as a crew-member. Indian authorities intercepted the former vice president near the coast of Tuticorin Port, Thoothukudi, and he was extradited on August 4.
Adeeb was banned from leaving the country until the Supreme Court closed an ongoing appeal case lodged by the government concerning the embezzlement of USD 5 million (MVR 77 million) owed to the state as the acquisition cost for Maabinhuraa, Lhaviyani Atoll.
Following his admission, the Criminal Court announced the decision to fast track and close the case within five days, as per the Criminal Procedure Code.
Maldives Correctional Service transferred Adeeb to house arrest after the preliminary hearing. The travel-ban against Adeeb remains in effect as well.
Obstruction of justice carries a sentence of four months and 24 days. However, if defendants pleaded guilty to the offence, the sentence would be shortened to three months and 18 days.
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