Former president Yameen, who is serving an 11-year prison term in a corruption case, has been granted a major reprieve by the correctional service.

President Yameen has already been transferred to the “island’s custody” by corrections authorities, confirmed to “Khabar Online”. It is also learnt that with this change, President Yameen has been granted permission to meet people and attend meetings.

However, according to the correctional service, President Yameen can leave his home only after obtaining permission from the service for “health care-related matters”.

President Yameen was released from “House detention” following talks between him and President Solih, reported pro Yameen media, Chanell 13. With this change, Yameen will be able to attend public gathering in male’ areas (Male’, Villimale’ and Hulhumale’).

Yameen’s lawyers, however, are yet to comment on the change in his detention.

President Yameen was transferred to his home on October 1, after his party coalition candidate Dr. Muizzu won the presidential election. Muizzu had earlier said that it was legally possible for President Solih to transfer President Yameen to his home. Dr. Muizzu also said, given the situation and it is in the best interest of the nation president Yameen to be transferred to his home. Muizzu has repeatedly said that the torture meted out to President Yameen is unjustified.

President-elect during the election campaigns promised to transfer President Yameen to his home and free him on the first day of assuming office. Muizzu also said the first day in office would end the influence of the judiciary within the president’s office.

Yameen’s 11-year prison sentence awarded by the criminal court on December 25, 2022, was appealed on his behalf in February this year, but the hearings in the case have already been prolonged.