DHAKA: The former vice-president of the Maldives has been convicted over a plot to assassinate the current president.

President Abdulla Yameen narrowly escaped injury when a blast struck the boat he was using to return home from the airport last September.

His then-deputy Ahmed Adeeb was arrested weeks later and charged with high treason, reports the BBC.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday (June 9), days after receiving a 10-year sentence for owning firearms.

Adeeb denied playing any part in the blast, which the prosecution maintained was caused by a bomb, although the US Federal Bureau of Investigation said no bomb exploded.

“The criminal court has barred me from calling the trial unfair, but we have concerns and intend to launch an appeal immediately,” Adeeb’s lawyer, Moosa Siraj, told a Maldives website.

Two of Adeeb’s bodyguards were given 10-year sentences for their role.

President Yameen and his wife were travelling to Male from Hulhule Island where the airport is located on September 28 when their speedboat was hit by the bomb blast.

They had been to the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The president was unhurt, but his wife and and a number of others were injured when the device went off under a seat normally - but not in this instance - occupied by Yameen.

BDST: 0912 HRS, JUN 10, 2016
BD