North-Thinadhoo MP Saudulla Hilmy has said that it is a matter of disgrace that a judge from Villingili had given former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom his prison sentence.

In a tweet, Hilmy said that the judge had even called Gayoom a fellow Villingili resident during his administration, but then had turned and 'enthusiastically' announced he was convicting Gayoom.

Hilmy added that this is a dishonor to the residents of Villigili as well.

Judge Hassan Najeeb, a Villingili resident, issued a prison conviction of one year, seven months and six days to Gayoom, Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Justice Ali Hameed.

Najeeb said that state witness testimonies prove that the three had refused to hand over their phones upon being ordered to do so by the police at the time of their arrest, adding that it was also evident they had their phones with them.

The conviction has been heavily criticised by the international community for being unjustified and out of the legal ambit.