Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has departed to neighboring India to seek medical treatment.
It has been reported that Adeeb and his wife, Mariyam Nashwa flew to Bangalore, India from Velana International Airport on Friday morning. An officer each from Maldives Police Service and Maldives Correctional Services accompanied the couple while an advance team from police and corrections are already in place at their destination.
The medical board granted a period of one year to seek medical treatment from abroad due to Adeeb's many health conditions, including kidney issues and eye disease Glaucoma. However, if no further treatment is required, Adeeb is expected to return to Maldives on June 26.
Maldives Immigration did not release Adeeb's passport and instead issued a travel document with a validity of one year, which would expire upon his early return. Adeeb can travel only to India with the issued document.
Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that the government is allowing Adeeb to travel abroad only due to necessity. All relevant entities including the Home Ministry has assured that Adeeb will not be able to flee during his trip abroad.
The former Vice president was sentenced to 33 years in jail over multiple criminal convictions including his involvement in the explosion that occured aboard the presidential speedboat 'Finifenmaa' in 2015. He was also convicted for the possession of illegal firearms and graft allegations involving MMPRC. However, the sentences were recently dismissed, with the High Court ordering the Criminal Court to conduct retrials on the three cases.
Adeeb is currently serving a jail sentence of 15 days for contempt of court. The days of his travel will not be counted towards his sentence, and will be resumed upon his return. Five days still remain on the sentence.
