Maldives’ imprisoned former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was given several opportunities to avoid incarceration, none of which he accepted, says incumbent President Abdulla Yameen.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Hanimaadhoo of Haa Dhaal atoll, as part of his trip to Haa Alif and Haa Dhaal atolls, Yameen indicated that charges would not have been raised against Maumoon, had he handed over his mobile phone to the police.

“There were reports that he would accept these opportunities, and they made me hopeful, but he refused to accept them”, President Yameen said.

Further, President Yameen said that he is not responsible for the former strongman’s incarceration and that he believes President Maumoon, who is also his half-brother, should have cooperated with the investigation into allegations against him.

President Maumoon is among the many individuals facing terrorism charges for allegedly attempting to oust President Yameen’s ‘lawfully formed’ government.