Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has refuted claims made by his half-brother, former President Abdulla Yameen, that Maumoon was arrested in the last year of Yameen's presidency for bribing Supreme Court judges.

In a statement released last night, Maumoon's office denied Yameen's allegations made on the 13th of this month in a program on Adhadhu newspaper. The statement said that the Supreme Court order issued on February 1, 2018, had nothing to do with Maumoon, and he has never engaged in the despicable act of bribing judges to obtain a court order or any other decision from the Supreme Court.

Maumoon accused Yameen of making these statements to tarnish his reputation.

"Whether during President Yameen's administration, before, or after, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has never given any bribe money or anything else to any judge of any court in the Maldives or any other person in charge of state affairs," the statement from Maumoon's office said.

The statement further said that it is a very low act for a person who has held the position of President to spread such false stories in society without any truth. Therefore, the statement also mentioned that they are considering taking legal action regarding this matter.

"President Maumoon is considering proceeding with taking legal steps that can be taken in connection with these statements by President Yameen," the statement said.

The statement further assured that Maumoon has never committed any act contrary to the Constitution and laws of the Maldives.