Jailed ex MP admitted at hospital for tests

Imprisoned former ruling party MP Ahmed Nazim has been admitted at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to conduct tests.

According to local media, the former Progressive Party of Maldives MP for Dhiggaru was brought to Malé last night to treat back pains.

He was treated at the observation ward and admitted at the hospital after a doctor recommended further tests.

Nazim is serving a 25-year prison sentence at the low-security ‘Asseyri’ jail in Himmafushi. He was found guilty in April of defrauding the state of MVR1.4 million (US $91,400) by submitting bids on behalf of non-existent companies to supply 15,000 national flags to the now-defunct atolls ministry.

Nazim, a former close associate of President Abdulla Yameen, appears to have fallen out of favor with the government. He had served as the deputy Speaker of Majlis from 2009 – 2014.

The opposition has requested the former MP’s transfer to house arrest to pave the way for political reconciliation at ongoing talks with the government.

Nazim was sentenced shortly after ex-president Mohamed Nasheed, ex-defence minister Mohamed Nazim, and ex-defence minister Tholhath Ibrahim were sentenced to jail on a variety of charges.

Nasheed was transferred to house arrest in late June after months of street protests and mounting diplomatic pressure. The government justified the transfer saying that the doctor had requested bed rest and a stress free environment for Nasheed.

Soon afterwards, the opposition backed a constitutional amendment which will allow the president to replace  his deputy.

Ex-defence minister Nazim’s family has also called for his transfer to house arrest.