Malé, Maldives – The opposition PPM-PNC coalition has said that Former President Abdullah Yameen is being held hostage in jail.
Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2022 after being convicted of taking bribes and laundering the money on the lease of V. Aarah. He is serving his sentence in Maafushi jail.
In a statement issued on the occasion of the New Year, the opposition said the main purpose of Yameen’s imprisonment was to pave the way for President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih to be elected for another term.
Opposition also stated that these have been four years of heartache and disappointment for the people of Maldives.
The opposition says the government has increased the cost of living, increased the price of goods charged at 8 percent GST and impoverished the people. All this can only be overcome by bringing former President Yameen back to power, the statement said.
“Even though President Yameen was held hostage in jail, his courage has not changed. He is very determined to get the country back to the people,” the opposition said.
The opposition has also called on the people to be encouraged by Yameen’s courage and come out with the determination to change the current government.
The opposition has repeatedly said it will not accept the court’s verdict. The opposition has also started protests calling for the release of President Yameen.
