Yameen: Not waiting for Pres Muizzu to release me

Former President Abdulla Yameen on Sunday evening, March 03, 2024, has said he never waited nor expected President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to grant him freedom.

At the rally held on Sunday evening by the former president in his efforts to form a new political party, PNF, Yameen said he no longer wishes to talk on the topic of Dr. Muizzu releasing him. 

He also bemoaned not granting the opportunity to speak to the public directly.

Although the law bars Yameen from participating in political activities due to his criminal sentence, the former president has been expressing his political opinions at PNF rallies.

"The people would only know the reasons behind why former president Yameen exited PPM only after [I give] a TV interview," Yameen said.

"... Never in my long wait, have I expected President Muizzu would do anything to release me, and if he is doing anything, then why should he put those efforts only today? Why couldn't he do that during the two months that has already elapsed?" the former president added.

At the rally, he once again reiterated he would be acquitted during appeal, and affirmed he was not guilty of the charges convicted against him.

Despite delays to his appeal, Yameen said he never lost hope to acquire "legal remedy" to his situation.

President Dr. Muizzu received PNC presidential ticket after Elections Commission (EC) announced Yameen's disqualification.

The acquittal of Yameen was a major campaign pledge of President Muizzu as well.

As president-elect Dr. Muizzu had requested then government, led by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, to transfer Yameen to his residence.

The following day, the previous government had transferred Yameen to his house with conditions.

Only a week into Dr. Muizzu's presidency, rifts formed between him and Yameen. Following their debacle, Yameen exited PPM to form his own new party.

The appeal in the case of Vaavu atoll Aarah lease case is currently pending sentence. However, due to the delays in the trial, supporters of Yameen and MDP had expressed concern.

The Criminal Court had found Yameen guilty of both charges brought against him in the lease case, and sentenced him to jail for 11 years with a fine of USD 5 million on December 25, 2022.