President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has vowed not to intervene in the trial of former President Abdulla Yameen.
Speaking at a campaign event in Rasdhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll, President Solih addressed the opposition's demands for the release of former President Yameen. He acknowledged his own concerns regarding Yameen's prison sentence but emphasised that he is unable to intervene while the trial is still in progress.
Additionally, President Solih pointed out the opposition's prior acceptance of the judiciary's decisions in previous cases involving Yameen and urged them to cease urging his intervention in the ongoing trial. He added that he can only take action within the bounds of the law after all judicial proceedings have concluded.
In December 2022, the Criminal Court sentenced former President Yameen to 11 years in prison after finding him guilty of charges of money laundering and accepting bribes in relation to the lease of Aarah, Vaavu Atoll, for resort development through Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). He lost the opportunity to participate in the 2023 presidential election following the Supreme Court's ruling that his ongoing prison sentence renders him ineligible to stand as a candidate.