Claims circulating on social media that former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been placed under house arrest are inaccurate, according to a reliable source with direct knowledge of the situation within Maldives Correctional Service.
The source confirmed that Bassam, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence exceeding three decades on multiple corruption and money laundering convictions, was temporarily taken to his residence for a limited period following a medical procedure. The move, lasting approximately 12 hours, was carried out under supervision after his discharge from hospital.
According to the information, the temporary transfer was necessitated to allow correctional authorities time to arrange a suitable post-operative recovery space within the prison system. Once the required medical arrangements were completed, Bassam was returned to custody and is currently being held in a designated area within the correctional facility for continued recovery.
Officials familiar with correctional protocols note that such medically supervised transfers are not uncommon in cases requiring post-surgical care, and do not constitute a change in custodial status.
The clarification comes amid a wave of unverified reports alleging that Bassam had been granted house arrest, claims that have not been supported by any official statement or court order. Observers warn that the spread of misinformation risks distorting public understanding of ongoing legal and correctional procedures.
Bassam remains under the authority of Maldives Correctional Service as he continues to serve his sentence, with medical care being managed in accordance with established institutional procedures.
