Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s wife has asked authorities to transfer him to house arrest for the fasting month of Ramadan.

In a letter addressed to the Criminal Court’s chief judge, Adam Arif, former First Lady Nasrina Ibrahim noted that Maumoon, who is over 80 years old, has been in Dhoonidhoo’s island prison for more than three months.

She said that Maumoon is suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) which causes him to have dizziness and difficulty standing. Due to this, she said that doctors have recommended that Maumoon have someone by his side at all times.

In the letter, she also noted the many difficulties Maumoon will be facing with fasting and praying during the month of Ramadan, due to the disorder.