Progressive coalition, the alliance between opposing Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Peoples' National Congress (PNC) have shared their concerns regarding the arrest of their leader Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom with president of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The meeting between the president and the opposition took place at the Presidents Office on Sunday.
According to reports, the opposition requested for a meeting with the President last Thursday. The appointment was scheduled on the request of their detained leader Abdulla Yameen who has been detained until the end of his money laundering trial.
While all senior members of both PPM and PNC participated in the meeting, the opposition brought tot he attention of President Solih that President Yameen was being detain "against procedure". It has been reported that President Solih listened to and acknowledged their concerns, and promised to solve any concerns that can be addressed.
Following the meeting, the opposition stated that they appreciate that the President acknowledged their concerns, although they did not divulge any details on what was discussed.
Criminal Court last week began the trial of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom who is facing charges of money laundering linked to the biggest corruption scandal in the history of the island nation.
The prosecution asked the court to take Yameen into custody to deny him the chance to influence the evidence against him, which was granted by the court. The former resident is now being held in Maafushi remand jail until the end of his trial.
The much awaited report into the Maldives Media and PR Corporation (MMPRC) scandal, had revealed that over USD79 million had been embezzled through the state tourism promotion company.
