Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday accused the Maldivian criminal justice system of being deeply corrupt, claiming that those who commit the biggest crimes are protected and even celebrated.
Speaking at a rally organized by his party, the People’s National Front (PNF), Yameen said the country is plagued by unchecked theft of land and resources.
“Wherever you look in this country, a piece of land or a patch of sand is being stolen. That’s the state of the nation today,” he said.
Yameen expressed shame over the state of the judiciary, pointing to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) scandal as a prime example of selective justice, in which he himself had been embroiled.
“What happened to the theft of nearly USD 400 million? Where are Adeeb and Ziyath, both of whom admitted guilt in court? They’ve been forgiven, and their rights have been elevated,” he said, referring to former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb and former MMPRC Managing Director Abdulla Ziyath.
Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem had once said Adeeb could face up to 800 years in prison for his role in the MMPRC scandal, one of the largest corruption cases in Maldivian history.
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom addresses a PNF rally on August 5, 2024. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
“But here’s the reality: if you steal a small amount, you’ll serve your sentence through. If you steal big, you’ll be out in three days. That’s how the system works,” Yameen said.
He accused the judiciary of failing to uphold its responsibilities, despite being appointed with trust and confidence.
“The biggest thieves are not only protected, they’re respected,” he added.
Yameen, who has long maintained that he cannot be convicted through a fair trial, said the numerous cases filed against him during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration had failed to bring him down.
“Let the people judge the outcome of those cases. I believe that under true rule of law and justice, I will remain untouched,” he said.