Government of Maldives has refuted claims of the opposition regarding the situation of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in Maafushi Prison.
Former President Yameen is serving a 5-year jail sentence over money laundering charges. The opposition claimed Yameen is kept in poor conditions which does not fit humane standards.
Following the comments, Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla said the former president is not deprived of any human rights. He stated Yameen is kept in the same cell former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom and Mohamed Nasheed were kept before, adding Yameen is in better conditions.
In a statement, Ministry of Home Affairs revealed neither the family nor his lawyers have submitted any complaints regarding his situation in prison. The home ministry also said senior officials from Maldives Correctional Service met with Yameen during a visit to Maafushi Prison on December 30. The ministry assured no complaints were raised by Yameen during the meeting.
Furthermore, the home ministry reiterated its aim to improve the situation of prisons in the country.