Ex-president Yameen seeks house arrest over health concerns

Former President Abdulla Yameen has petitioned the High Court, seeking house arrest citing worsening health conditions.

Yameen has submitted a request to the High Court, urging a delay in his prison sentence and fine until the conclusion of his appeal against the Criminal Court's verdict sentencing him to 11 years in prison and a USD 5 million fine for bribery and money laundering convictions in the Vaavu atoll Aarah lease case.

Yameen presented his plea in court on Thursday, August 10, citing his inability to undertake prescribed exercises in the sea due to the ongoing dredging around Maafushi where he is held. Highlighting his advanced age, Yameen stressed the importance of minimizing hospital visits to alleviate additional distress for his family. He urged the court to postpone his prison sentence and monetary penalty until the conclusion of his ongoing appeal.

During the hearing, Yameen emphasized that putting him under house arrest would not constitute a threat to the state. He reasoned that if his appeal were to be successfully concluded, there would still be the opportunity to execute the imposed sentence.

A verdict concerning the postponement of Yameen's sentence and fine is expected to be announced on Sunday, August 13. The proceedings are under the purview of a panel of judges, comprising Justice Mohamed Saleem, Justice Hassan Shafeeu, and Justice Huzaifa Mohamed, with Justice Saleem as the presiding judge.