The Maldives Correctional Services has decided to transfer opposition leader Qasim Ibrahim to house arrest.

The service notified Qasim’s lawyers and family of this through a letter on Wednesday night, given that the Jumhooree Party leader is still admitted at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

His lawyers have appealed the Criminal Court’s mandated request for him to be granted medical leave abroad with the Attorney General’s office.

Ahmed Sameer, secretary-general of the Jumhooree Party, said that given how Qasim had never been incarcerated due to him being admitted to the hospital, he had enjoyed a level of comfort at his bedside. However, while he was only allowed to have one relative with him before, he is now allowed to have several.

Qasim is suffering from a cardiovascular ailment that required immediate surgery, according to his doctors. They have also said that any delay in treatment could pose risks to his life.  

Qasim was sentenced to three years, two months, and 12 days in prison over the bribery allegations made against him under Section 510 of the Penal Code – on bribery and official misconduct – claiming that he had attempting to influence the authority of a public official.

His lawyers have said that the Criminal Court verdict specifically notes that he be sent abroad for the required medical treatment.