Government would not grant jailed former vice president Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor medical leave to travel abroad until the millions he stole from state coffers are returned, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said Tuesday.
Adheeb’s family has requested authorities to grant permission for Adheeb to travel abroad for medical treatment, claiming that he has been diagnosed with an internal cyst, kidney stones and a dangerous eye disease 'glaucoma'.
Maldives Media and PR Corporation (MMPRC) had mediated the leasing of over 59 different tourist hotels, resorts and yacht marinas out of which 53 had been leased through an agreement with the tourism ministry.
The official audit report into the scandal, had revealed that over USD79 million had been embezzled through the state tourism promotion company.
The funds received by MMPRC was distributed through a private company with strong links to Adheeb.
Speaking during a ruling party ceremony on Wednesday, president Yameen insisted that the government would not allow Adheeb to travel abroad until the stolen funds are recovered but added that the authorities would allow him to bring in doctors from abroad.
He also added that Adheeb would have access to every health care facility available at the state run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
Adheeb is serving 33 years in prison over two counts of terrorism and corruption including the blast aboard the presidential speedboat which has been now confirmed as a plot to assassinate president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
He is also facing multiple counts of terrorism and graft charges including a second assassination plot involving a Sri Lankan sniper.
President Yameen reiterated that he was unaware Adheeb was stealing funds from the state coffers.
Government meanwhile has attracted intense opposition criticism over its decision to deny Adheeb medical leave insisting that there was a real threat that the ex VP would abscond.
