First lady visits prison over ex-President Maumoon's ill health

Fathimath Ibrahim, the former first lady, went to Dhoonidhoo island prison on Wednesday night to check up on her husband, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

The former president is reportedly seriously ill and has missed his court hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Abdul Aleem, the secretary general of the ruling party faction loyal to Maumoon, confirmed to RaajjeMV that he is still in serious condition.

RaajjeMV understands that his health became serious on Saturday, enough that a doctor had visited him and a police officer was placed in his room. Aleem said that the former first lady has been going to the prison every night since.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has called on incumbent President Abdulla Yameen to transfer Maumoon, Yameen’s half-brother, to house arrest. Jumhoree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim has urged authorities to free Maumoon, even if just to allow him to get proper medical treatment.

Doctors have recommended someone to always be with Maumoon due to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which is a disorder that causes balance issues. He was last treated for the disorder by the ENT specialist at state-run IGM Hospital. His family has given the specialist’s letter to authorities.