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Former President Gayoom released on bail

Rae Munavvar
30 September 2018, MVT 19:20
FORMER PRESIDENT MAUMOON ABDUL GAYOOM & SON MP FARIS MAUMOON RELEASED / BAILED FROM MAAFUSHI PRISON
Rae Munavvar
30 September 2018, MVT 19:20

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was released on bail following a ruling delivered by the High Court on Sunday.

Gayoom was freed after a bail bond of MVR 60 000 was deposited on his behalf at High Court, until the end of his trial.

A large number of his supporters have gathered at Endherimaage, Gayoom's home residence.

Gayoom was released on bail whilst serving a 19-month sentence at Maafushi jail, ordered in July by the Criminal Court.

The former president, arrested early February under accusations of attempting a coup against the government of his younger brother incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, was charged with refusing to hand over his mobile phone to the police for investigation.

In addition to obstruction of justice, Gayoom is also charged with terrorism.

Should he be found guilty of terrorism, the former president would face an incarceration period of between 17 - 20 years.

Due to his deteriorating health, Gayoom's family have on several occasions appealed to the court to release him under house arrest.

Gayoom, who is over 80 years of age, suffers from a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) which is a type of balance disorder that can cause those afflicted to experience sudden dizziness, difficulty standing, nausea and/or fainting.

Deeming it unsafe for Gayoom to reside alone, his doctors have also continually advised to transfer him to house arrest. The request was also reiterated by the medical board to Maldives Correctional Service on Monday.

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