Shiyam: Will not let the government breathe if Yameen is relocated to jail

PPM’s Deputy Leader, Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam has stated that activities conducted by the opposition coalition will not be stopped even if former President Yameen Abdul Gayyoom is relocated to jail. He also added that they would not let the government breathe – if Yameen is relocated to jail.

Shiyam had said this following Maldives Correctional Service’s Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu’s tweet stating that action will be taken against Yameen for taking part in the protest held by PPM this evening in violation of the terms of his house arrest.

Yameen had taken part in PPM’s protest held at the capital Male’ City this evening – from his home. In this regard – he had stood near an open window of his home where the protesters could see him and waved at them. Then Yameen shook hands with some of the protesters – and the protesters had given him two flags; PPM’s and the national flag – which he continued to wave from his window.

Shiyam had said that the opposition is not doing a political work – but rather a national work. He also added that he does not believe that Yameen had taken part in today’s protest.

“If Yameen had taken part in the protest – he would have been on the streets right?” he had said.

He also stressed that Yameen had not violated the terms of his house arrest – and had maintained his actions in accordance with what had been agreed.

Shiyam also added that Yameen’s appearance had given hope to his supports – which is a fact that MDP is unable to digest. He also alleged that CP Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu was “forced’ to publish his tweet – by the government’s influence.

Yameen was found guilty of laundering USD 1 million from the sale of GA. Vodamula by the Criminal Court on November 28, 2019.  He was sentenced to 5 years in prison and fined USD 5 million. Yameen promptly appealed the conviction with the High Court, which sided against him and ruled to uphold the original sentence on January 21, 2021. 

He subsequently appealed the conviction with the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to begin appeal proceedings in September.

Yameen was serving his sentence in Maafushi Prison, but was transferred to home confinement following an outbreak of COVID-19 at the prison in April.