Ex-President Maumoon arrested

Former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom – half-brother of current President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom - has been taken into police custody.

He was arrested in the pre-dawn hours of this Tuesday from his spouse’s residence, M. Endherimaage, as part of a special operation run by the police.

Police entered Endherimaage after breaking down the door of the residence.

Maumoon was taken into police custody for investigation into charges of bribing MPs and planning to illegally overthrow the government.

His arrest has been confirmed by the Maldives Police Service in a tweet.

Fuluhun thahgeegu kuramundha massala akai gulhigen kureege Raees Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, Ma. Kinbigasdhoshuge vany mirey fuluhunge belumuge dhashah genevifai.

— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) February 5, 2018

In a video message to the people moments after his arrest, Maumoon appealed to the people to keep calm and remain strong.

Maumoon’s son-in-law, the former Chairman of Fenaka Corporation, Mohamed Nadheem has also been arrested for the same charges.

Both Maumoon and Nadheem have been taken to Dhoonidhoo Prison.