Reports that former vice president Ahmed Adeeb had attempted to flee jail is false, says his legal team.

Following Adeeb’s transfer from Maafushi Jail to Dhoonidhoo Detention Centre earlier this week, citing a senior government official, online news source V Online reported that that the former VP had tried to escape from jail.

A statement issued by his legal team highlighted that they were not contacted for a comment on the matter.

“Adeeb had not attempted to flee jail. He has never planned to carry out such an unlawful act,” said the team.

The statement further highlighted that neither the Maldives Police Service nor Maldives Correctional Services had informed the team, or his family, that there had been any such reasons for Adeeb’s transfer to Dhoonidhoo.

It emphasized that the report cited an “anonymous senior government official,” and that the news website had not attempted to contact Adeeb’s legal team or his family for a comment.

Noting that the former VP also has rights under the Defamation and Freedom of Expression Law, the statement reminded V Online that statements from both sides are essential when issuing such reports.

Adeeb’s legal time said that his transfer to Dhoonidhoo- which is a custodial jail- is “unlawful,” adding that the law states that those who are under investigation are to be kept there, and that those who have been convicted cannot be kept there.

Adeeb was sentenced to 15 years in prison over a plot to assassinate President Abdulla Yameen, not long after receiving a 10-year-sentence for owning firearms.