Former Minister of Defence Mohamed Nazim flew abroad for medical treatment on late Thursday.

The jailed ex-minister was granted permission to leave by Maldives Correctional Services upon the request of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives' (HRCM).

Local media Mihaaru reported that HRCM's request was due to serious issues with Nazim's health.

The Former Defence Minister of the current government was sentenced to 11 years by the Criminal Court for illegal weapon possession after a pistol and three bullets were found from his residence. Although he appealed to High Court and the Supreme Court, he lost both the appeals.