Ex-VP transferred to house arrest

Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, who has been remanded until the end of the ongoing court trial against him, has been transferred to house arrest.

Aminath Yusreen, Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) spokesperson, said that he was transferred “in light of his health condition.”

She added that this was done with the court’s permission.

However, Yusreen did not disclose when the former VP was transferred to house arrest.

While MCS has not revealed details on his health condition, even when inquired, it said that medical matters such as counsel with doctors will be granted to Adeeb “as per procedures.”

Last Wednesday, Criminal Court ordered to keep Adeeb in remand until the end of his corruption trial.

Seven charges were raised against the former vice president in connection to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) embezzlement and money laundering case; two counts of accomplice to embezzlement, two counts of misuse of official capacity to obtain an undue advantage, two counts of money laundering, and one count of abuse of power.

He pled guilty to all seven, at Wednesday’s hearing, under a plea deal with the state.

Following this, a fast track hearing has been scheduled for Monday, where a verdict could be issued.

While he faces 20 years in prison even under the plea agreement, Adeeb has asked for “leniency” given his cooperation.

In mid-July, Criminal Court dropped the charges against Adeeb on the grounds that the plea deal signed between him and the state was “entered wrongfully”.

While the lower court ruling was appealed at the High Court, it ordered for Adeeb to be remanded for the duration of the trial.