Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has accused the leadership of the ruling PPM-PNC coalition of attempting to orchestrate the arrest of his spouse, Fathimath Ibrahim (Fathun), and his son, Zain Abdulla Yameen.

Yameen made these allegations during a rally held at the People’s National Front (PNF) headquarters in Male’ City on Sunday night.

Addressing the crowd, Yameen claimed that the ruling coalition sought to involve his family members in protests to facilitate their arrest.

This accusation followed remarks by Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the PNC’s chairperson, during a campaign event last week, where he questioned the loyalty of Yameen’s wife and children.

Yameen further alleged that the PPM-PNC leadership selectively designated protestors for arrest during demonstrations, insinuating that certain individuals within the leadership instructed the police on whom to detain.

He specifically mentioned his son, Zain, and wife, Fathimath, as representatives who would have been targeted had they participated in protests.

Furthermore, Yameen questioned whether Abdul Raheem’s family members were rewarded with jobs in the new administration for their involvement in street protests.

Yameen, who was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2022, for bribery and money laundering charges related to the sale of V. Aarah, was transferred to house arrest on October 1, 2023, a day after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu won the presidential election.

However, shortly after President Dr. Muizzu took office in November, Yameen parted ways with the PPM-PNC coalition and began efforts to establish the PNF.

Despite legal restrictions preventing his active involvement in politics, Yameen remains active within the PNF, engaging in party activities and publicly criticizing President Muizzu’s administration.

He has appealed his conviction with the High Court, with the appellant court yet to deliver a verdict despite concluding hearings months ago.