Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla, on Saturday, revealed that jailed former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was informed on the requirements for his transfer to house arrest.
Speaking on a programme aired on state media PSM News, Imran noted that Yameen was advised by doctors to undertake a medical trip to conducts tests currently unavailable in the country, as well as to reside in a stress-free environment.
Commenting on Yameen's living environment, Imran noted that referring to Yameen's quarters as an apartment would not constitute a false statement.
Moreover, he said that Yameen was offered the opportunity to select a country to seek medical treatment from within the region but had decided not to take up the offer, adding that Yameen had requested to be transferred to house arrest.
However, Imran stated that the former president's request can only be considered after he conducts the required tests.
"I had very clearly informed President Yameen that the state would implement such changes to his imprisonment should medical professionals assess his living conditions following the completion of the tests", said Imran.
In December 2019, the Criminal Court sentenced Yameen to five years in prison and a fine of USD 5 million over his involvement in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) embezzlement case.
Following his imprisonment, the incarcerated ex-president had appealed his sentence at the High Court. After a series of hearings, the verdict is currently pending.
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