Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been transferred back to Maafushi Prison from Dhoonidhoo, after he was recently transferred to Dhoonidhoo while his health was in serious condition.

Gayoom’s health worsened and his treatment was initiated at Maafushi Prison last Tuesday.

While Gayoom was transferred to Dhoonidhoo jail on Thursday, he was again transferred back to Maafushi Prison on Friday. However Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has not yet revealed the reason for the frequent transfers.

Gayoom’s family and lawyer had expression concern over the frequent transfers from one prison to another while Gayoom’s health is in serious condition. Many had described the action as one that is inhumane.

A source close to Gayoom had told VNews on Thursday that his health was not improving and that he was transferred to Dhoonidhoo without giving him an opportunity to meet his wife, former First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim who was at Maafushi at the time. The family was also not officially informed of the transfer, the source said.

Gayoom suffers from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – dizzy spells, due to which he is currently facing difficulties standing and walking about. His last meeting with his legal team on Tuesday was also cancelled due to his condition, the official said.

Although the doctor at Maafushi Prison had advised that Gayoom be transferred to house arrest where his family can aid him, MCS had denied to bring him to Male’ for doctor consultation. Instead, MCS had taken a doctor to visit Gayoom at the prison, who in turn stated that he has to be transferred to Male’ if his health keeps deteriorating.

Meanwhile many had been expressing concern over the lack of adequate medical treatment provided for Gayoom.

Gayoom was convicted of the state raised obstruction of justice charge after he allegedly refused to hand over his phone for the police investigation and was sentenced to 1 year and seven months in prison.

The 82-year-old former President was arrested after the state of emergency was imposed on the country on February 1. He was also charged with terrorism, which would land him a prison sentence of 17 to 20 years if convicted.

Due to his health, his wife Nasreena Ibrahim had repeatedly beseeched various state institutions to transfer him to house arrest.