Maldives Ex-President Yameen Sentenced to 11 Years for Embezzlement and Bribery

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A court in the Maldives has delivered a guilty verdict against former President Abdulla Yameen, sentencing him to 11 years in prison and ordering him to pay a fine of $5 million. The Criminal Court found Yameen guilty of accepting a bribe and money laundering, with the latter charge carrying a seven-year sentence and the bribery charge carrying a four-year sentence.

The Embezzlement Allegations

The embezzlement allegations stem from Yameen’s acceptance of money for leasing an island owned by the government during his tenure as president from 2013 to 2018. This is not the first time Yameen has been found guilty of financial wrongdoing, having previously been sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering in a separate case in 2019.

Previous Conviction Overturned

However, that conviction was later overturned by the Supreme Court, which ruled that there were discrepancies in the evidence presented at trial and that it did not conclusively prove that Yameen had laundered $1 million in state funds for personal gain. Despite this, Sunday’s verdict marks a significant blow to Yameen’s reputation and may serve as a warning to other corrupt officials in Maldives.

A Blow to Yameen’s Reputation

Yameen lost his reelection bid in 2018 to current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who has made good on promises to root out corruption and promote transparency in government. During his time in office, Yameen was accused of widespread corruption, muzzling the media, and persecuting political opponents.

A Step Towards Accountability

The verdict is seen as a significant step towards holding Yameen accountable for his actions and rebuilding trust in Maldives’ institutions. It serves as a warning to other corrupt officials that they will be held accountable for their actions, and it marks a new era of transparency and accountability in the country.

Conclusion

Yameen’s sentence is a reminder that no one is above the law, not even former heads of state. The Maldives can now move forward with renewed confidence in its institutions and its ability to hold those who abuse power accountable.