Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has revealed former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has been brought to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for consultation.
MCS did not disclose any further details on the matter. It is believed the former president was brought to IGMH to consult a cardiologist.
On November 28, 2019, Yameen was sentenced to five years in prison after he was found guilty of the money laundering charges pressed by the state against him. He made an appeal to High Court requesting to release him on bail until the court can issue a verdict on the appeal or to delay serving the sentence. However, High Court rejected the bail plea and ruled the sentence by Criminal Court cannot be overturned or delayed.
At the first hearing of the appeal against the five-year prison sentence issued by Criminal Court, Yameen stated it is impossible to pay the fine of USD 5 million imposed upon him by the state while he is still in prison. As such, Yameen said it is important that he is released from prison.
Speaking at the appeal hearing, 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. Yameen added he is also suffering from a heart disease, for which the required scans not available in Maldives.