Yameen transferred home at Muizzu’s request, to protect ‘national interest’

President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says the opposition PPM-PNC’s leader, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was transferred to home confinement on Sunday, after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih – who he defeated in the presidential election runoff on Saturday – agreed with him that doing so would be in the best interest of the nation.

Muizzu had met with President Solih at his office to discuss the transition process on Sunday afternoon.

Shortly before the meeting, Maldives Correctional Service confirmed Yameen was being temporarily transferred from Maafushi Prison to his home.

After the meeting, Muizzu joined the crowd of supporters gathered outside Yameen’s residence in Male’ City awaiting his arrival.

Speaking to reporters, Muizzu said that he and President Solih discussed the reasons why Yameen was transferred home.

“President Solih said he made the decision because the people of this country have had their say,” he said.

Muizzu said that now was the time to prioritize national interests above individual interests.

He said he will seek Yameen’s counsel to solve issues on national interest.

“The counsel he can provide at this time is very valuable in solving issues in line with national interests,” he said.

Yameen has now been transferred to his home. Those who gathered outside his residence to welcome him back home include his wife Fathimath Ibrahim, vice president-elect Hussain Mohamed Latheef, and the PPM-PNC leadership.

They were joined by hundreds of his supporters.

Before entering his home, Yameen spoke with Muizzu, and shook hands with his supporters.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison for money laundering and bribery charges in connection to the sale of V. Aarah on December 26, 2022.

Muizzu won the presidential election runoff held on Saturday with 54 percent of votes, beating President Solih, the MDP candidate, who won 46 percent.

In his first press conference as president-elect on Saturday night, Muizzu asked President Solih to use his executive powers to transfer Yameen to home confinement.

President Solih had conceded his defeat, and congratulated Muizzu.

He will take oath of office on November 17.