Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has been released from his residence in Male' City today, after the High Court nullified his previous conviction for money laundering and bribery linked to the sale of V. Aarah for tourism development.

The High Court's decision, announced this evening, marks a significant development in the legal saga surrounding Yameen's case.

Yameen, who served as president from 2013 to 2018, had been sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 26, 2022, following charges related to money laundering and bribery associated with the V. Aarah sale.

His transfer from Maafushi Prison to his Male' City residence occurred on October 1, 2022, shortly after President Mohamed Muizzu's victory in the presidential election runoff.

The panel overseeing Yameen's appeal case included Judge Hassan Shafeeu, Judge Huzaifa Mohamed, and Judge Mohamed Saleem.

After months of hearings, the High Court concluded all proceedings on Yameen's appeal in November 2023, following the initial appeal filed in February 2023.

Yameen's release comes amidst ongoing political developments, including his departure from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the establishment of a new party, the People's National Front (PNF).

President Muizzu, who had pledged to release Yameen during his election campaign, has faced scrutiny for the prolonged home confinement.

However, he has reiterated his commitment to upholding the judiciary's independence, emphasizing that Yameen's fate rests in the hands of the judiciary.

With the overturning of Yameen's conviction, the case of former Felidhoo constituency parliament member Yoosuf Naeem, who was also implicated in the Aarah lease deal and alleged bribery, has been sent back to the criminal court for reassessment.