Former President Yameen expresses concern over delay in bail arrangements

Incarcerated former President Abdulla Yameen has expressed concern over the delay in his bail arrangements.

In a message by the former president that was relayed by his legal team, Yameen raised questions regarding the fairness behind the 1.5-month delay to grant his bail request and stated that his bail should be permitted as per the rule of law. He further added that judicial reform means to ensure an individual's constitutional rights, and providing justice without delay.

The former president's message was publicised via Twitter by his defence attorney and former vice-president, Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed.

As such, the former president has expressed his concern over the delay in his bail arrangements, his legal team has submitted an appeal to overturn Yameen's five-year prison term at the High Court.

While the High Court has since accepted the appeal request, the date of the appeal hearing is yet to be announced.

Former President Yameen was convicted of money-laundering charges on November 28th. He was sentenced to five years in prison and fined USD five million. His sentence also states that the fine must be paid within six months to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).