Former President Maumoon Calls Yameen’s Allegations Baseless, Considers Court Case
The office of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has firmly denied recent allegations made by former President Abdulla Yameen, who claimed that Maumoon was jailed for bribing Supreme Court judges during his administration. Maumoon’s office described the accusations as “completely false” and suggested possible legal action against Yameen.
Allegations From Yameen
In an interview with Adhadhu Online last week, Yameen alleged that Maumoon and his son, former MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon, were involved in bribing judges to influence the Supreme Court ruling issued on February 1, 2018. He further claimed that the funds used for the alleged bribe came from former parliamentarian Abdulla Jabir.
Yameen also stated that during the investigation, police sought Maumoon’s phone and laptop. According to him, Maumoon told authorities that he did not own a mobile phone and repeated the claim in court. Yameen alleged that this led police to seek an arrest order. He added that Maumoon was given the chance to defend himself in the Criminal Court but chose not to.
Maumoon’s Office Issues Strong Rebuttal
Responding to the claims, Maumoon’s office released a statement rejecting Yameen’s remarks. The statement criticized Yameen for spreading falsehoods and questioned the credibility of such accusations.
“It is very shameful for a person who has held the position of President of the Republic of Maldives to spread such lies in society without the slightest truth. President Maumoon is considering taking legal action against President Yameen for these remarks,” the statement read.
The office clarified that the February 1, 2018 Supreme Court order had no connection to Maumoon. It further stressed that he had never bribed judges or attempted to influence court rulings in any way.
Historical Context of the Case
Maumoon was arrested on February 1, 2018, amid a political crisis triggered by the Supreme Court’s order that year. The Criminal Court sentenced him to one year and seven months in jail for refusing to hand over his mobile phone to investigators.
However, following Yameen’s electoral defeat later that year, Maumoon was released on bail while his appeal was pending. On October 18, 2018, the High Court overturned his conviction, ruling that prosecutors had failed to provide evidence that the phone in question contained relevant information. Presiding Judge Ali Sameer noted that witness testimony only indicated that Maumoon was unable to specify the location of the phone.
Claims of Political Motives
Maumoon’s office argued that Yameen’s statements were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation. The statement underscored that Maumoon had never made unlawful payments to judges or public officials at any time, whether before, during, or after Yameen’s presidency.
Maumoon himself assured the Maldivian people that he has always upheld the Constitution and laws of the country, rejecting any suggestion of wrongdoing.
Jabir’s Statement and Maumoon’s Response
Adding another layer to the controversy, Yameen pointed to Abdulla Jabir’s claim that he had given MVR 29 million to Maumoon to support the opposition coalition during the 2018 presidential election. Maumoon has consistently denied ever receiving such funds.
The dispute has widened the rift between the two brothers, who once worked closely together. During the 2018 election, Maumoon broke with Yameen and threw his support behind Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the opposition candidate who went on to secure the presidency.
The latest accusations have reignited old tensions, once again drawing public attention to one of the most dramatic chapters in recent Maldivian politics.