State has decided to press charges against Abdulla Luthufee, after escaping under the guise of an overseas medical treatment while serving a life sentence in prison.

Public Prosecutor at the Prosecutor General's Office, Ahmed Shafeeu revealed to 'One Online' that Luthufee is being charged for escaping custody under article 537 of the Penal Code. The charges have since been sent to the Criminal Court.

Luthufee was convicted for his involvement in the invasion of the Maldives on 3 November 1988, who his in hiding in Sri Lanka. After the failed coup, he was sentenced to death for treason before then President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom showed clemency and turned his sentence to life in prison.

Luthufee was allowed to travel to neighboring Sri Lanka on 16th January 2010 for medical purposes during former president Mohamed Nasheed’s administration. However, he went into hiding during the trip and was residing in Sri Lanka for the past nine years as a fugitive.

He was brought back under Police custody last July, and is currently in Maafushi Prison.