Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said political differences should not result in people being imprisoned.

Speaking at a PPM rally in Fuvahmulah City on Thursday night, Yameen criticised the imprisonment of political figures, referring to his own experience of serving a prison sentence.

Yameen said several politicians were imprisoned during his administration following police investigations into allegations of bribery involving Supreme Court judges. He maintained that the convictions were based on evidence and that those convicted had been given opportunities to clear their names through the courts.

Reflecting on his own three years in prison, Yameen described the experience as unjust and said his wife and innocent children were also affected.

He questioned whether people who had experienced such treatment should be entrusted with governing the country, adding that staying away from political activities would have prevented him from being imprisoned.

Yameen also said the current work being carried out by PNF was not aimed at personal gain but was a national effort.