Former president Yameen transferred home, supporters rejoice

Former President Abdulla Yameen, currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for bribery and money laundering in the Vaavu atoll Aarah lease case, has been transferred from prison to house arrest.

He has just arrived at his residence, Dhooves, located in Henveiru district.

Upon his arrival at his residence under the supervision of the Correctional Service, president-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, along with a large number of supporters and senior party leaders, were present in the area to welcome him.

After greeting some supporters, Yameen entered his residence.

The supporters gathered in the area celebrated in full spirits and all of them were demanding for yameen's immediate release. Supporters are celebrating that the opposition has won the election citing process of freeing Yameen has begun.

"I'm really happy. We have worked so hard in the elections to free the president. The process of achieving that has started today," a supporter said.

Yameen's transfer followed the victory of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, in the presidential election held on Saturday, September 30. It has been revealed that Yameen had requested to be moved home due to health reasons around two weeks ago.

Speaking to supporters and the media for the first time since his election victory, Dr. Muizzu urged the government to transfer Yameen to his home.

"I humbly request president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to transfer our beloved president, president Yameen, to his home," president-elect Dr. Muizzu said during last night's press conference.

During the campaign, one of the key points highlighted by Dr. Muizzu was to transfer Yameen to his residence. He also pledged to free the former president once he assumed office.

Yameen's appeal against his conviction has already begun in the High Court. The former president was unable to contest the presidential election due to this verdict.