DRP joins call for release of former president

Dhivehi Rayyithuge Party (DRP) has joined the call for the release of jailed former President Abdulla Yameen.

The party, via Twitter, claimed that Yameen is facing discrimination while under incarceration and expressed concern over the failure to allow him to meet with his attorneys.

DRP claimed this had led to lack of confidence in Home Minister Imran Abdulla.

While the opposition coalition has filed a case at the Supreme Court claiming that authorities are not allowing Yameen to meet with his attorney, DRP called to free Yameen immediately “until the court reaches a ruling.”

DRP, whose leader is working on an impeachment motion against Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, threatened to file a dismissal motion against the home minister as well.

The party also expressed readiness “for dialogue.”

The call comes not long after DRP made the decision to work with the opposition.

Earlier this week, the home minister said that the reason the meeting has not been held is ‘because the jailed former president’s lawyers do not want to meet with him.’

Sunday’s hearing in the new bribery and money laundering charges against the former president was delayed after it was claimed that the jailed former president had not been able to meet with his attorneys to discuss the case. The hearing is to be rescheduled in about two weeks, after Yameen is allowed to meet with his team.

A meeting was set for Monday, however, was not held due to an issue.

While Yameen is already serving a five-year sentence for money laundering regarding the acquisition costs of G. A. Vodamullah, fresh charges related to the lease of Fuggiri island in Raa atoll was raised in June.