Former President Abdulla Yameen is now being kept in Maafushi Prison’s remand jail, after the Criminal Court ordered that he be kept in detention for the duration of his trial over money-laundering charges.

At a hearing on Monday, Criminal Court’s chief judge Ahmed Hailam ordered that the former president be kept in detention.

At Monday’s hearing, the state attorney stated that they have evidence that Yameen offered bribes to witnesses to change their testimonies given to investigative authorities. She said that Yameen has been trying to influence the investigation of him and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) embezzlement case.

Taking this into account, the state attorney requested that he be kept in detention for the remainder of his trial, in accordance with article 49 of the constitution and article 60 of the criminal procedure act.

The correctional service has confirmed that Yameen is now in Maafushi’s remand jail.

While authorities have not disclosed exactly where he would be kept, RaajjeMV understands that he will be kept in VIP accommodation inside a cell specially made for former presidents and senior government officials.