Opposing PPM-PNC coalition has shared their concerns on the Criminal Court verdict that jailed their leader, with the European Union (EU).
The Criminal Court found former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom guilty of money laundering, and sentenced him to five years in jail on November 28 last year. The opposition continues to assert that their leader was jailed unjustly, and has been calling on authorities to release him.
A high-level delegation from the EU is currently visiting the archipelago to conduct discussions with the Maldivian government. While President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with the delegation on Sunday, the team also visited the Parliament house and met with Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and MPs.
PNC's Parliamentary Group leader and Maduvvary MDP Adam Shareef Umar on Sunday said the opposition met with the delegation on the sidelines of their meeting with Parliament officials. Shareef spoke with Paola Pampaloni, the Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific Department at the European External Action Service (EEAS) and shared the coalition's concerns on the former president's conviction, in addition to highlighting other challenges faced by the opposition.
"President Yameen was charged and tried unjustly, and we shared our concerns on the matter [with the EU delegation]. We also explained the challenges we face as the current opposition during the current political climate", said Adam Shareef.
