Opposition leader and Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom have been sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Yameen's conviction came in response to two charges filed by the state in connection with the lease deal to develop Vaavu Atoll Aarah. 

The state had sought a 19-year jail term for President Yameen. However, 

Judge Ahmed Shakil decided to sentence President Yameen to four years in prison for accepting bribes. One of the reasons cited for Shakeel's decision was that president Yameen should increase the punishment for the offence by one notch as he was the president.

After finding him guilty in the money laundering case, the judge decided to sentence President Yameen to seven years in prison. The sentence was raised one notch above the basic punishment for the offence.

In addition to the prison sentences, president Yameen was fined USD 5 million and ordered to pay the amount within six months.

The opposition has also stated that the verdict cannot be accepted and claimed they will work to Free President Yameen.