The government on Saturday granted permission to former President Abdulla Yameen, who has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for corruption, to seek medical treatment without the supervision of the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS).
A spokesman for the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) said: "[Yameen] has been given permission to go outside [of his residence] for medical reasons after informing the MCS."
Although the former leader was allowed to seek treatment without the supervision of the MCS, he is still not allowed to go out of his home for other reasons.
Yameen was transferred from Maafushi Prison to his home in Male' on October 1 after the presidential election victory of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the decision was made to prioritize "national interest."
But the MCS said the decision was made under a provision that allows a prisoner to be transferred home due to a health risk.
Following Muizzu's election victory, Yameen's lawyers called for the withdrawal of charges and his immediate release while his supporters staged a protest.
However, Muizzu urged supporters to refrain from protesting. Muizzu became the opposition presidential candidate after Yameen was barred from contesting due to his conviction and sentence.
Yameen is serving an 11-year sentence for corruption in the lease of an island in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) scandal.
He was convicted of taking USD 1.1 million in bribes for the lease of Vaavu Aarah and laundering the money. He denied the charges.
Yameen has also been charged with bribery and money laundering for allegedly taking bribes in the lease of Vaavu Fuggiri. The case is pending in the Criminal Court.
