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Impossible to pay up fine while still in prison: Yameen

Former President Abdulla Yameen has stated it is impossible to pay the fine of USD 5 million imposed upon him by the state while he is still in prison. Yameen made the statement while speaking at the first hearing of the appeal against the five-year prison sentence issued to him by Criminal Court.

Speaking at the appeal hearing, former president Yameen said he has been undergoing physical and psychological damages due to being detained in prison, noting he has been suffering from pain caused by an irregular movement of his hip bone. The former president added he is also suffering from a heart disease, for which the required scans are not available in Maldives.

Noting the sentence issued by Criminal Court includes a fine of USD 5 million, Yameen said it is impossible for him to pay this amount while he is still in prison. As such, Yameen said it is important that he is released from prison.

Yameen was sentenced to five years in prison after he was found guilty of the money laundering charges pressed by the state against him. The appeal case submitted to High Court requests to release him on bail until the court can issue a verdict on the appeal or to delay serving the sentence.