Former President Abdulla Yameen, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison on bribery and money laundering charges, is set to be transferred to his residence today. Authorities have initiated the required preparations for this relocation.
The former president was serving time in Maafushi Prison.
Mihaaru News also learned that Yameen requested to be shifted to his home two weeks earlier owing to health issues.
The sudden decision to move him home by the state follows the victory of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the candidate from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC), in Saturday's runoff election.
"On this occasion, I wish to humbly request President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to have our beloved president, Yameen, shifted back home," said the president-elect during Saturday evening's press conference.
"Shifting him home is under the legal discretions of the president, and it is also in the best interest of the entire nation today."
During the campaign, one of the key points highlighted by Dr. Muizzu was the release or relocation of Yameen to his residence in Malé City.
Meanwhile, Yameen's appeal against his conviction has already begun in the High Court. The former president had been unable to contest the presidential election because of the verdict.