President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Government has taken significant measures to address the uncertainty surrounding prolonged pre-trial detention.
The President made these remarks while addressing residents of the Maafannu district during a community consultation held this evening at Thaajuddeen School.
Speaking at the meeting, the President acknowledged the concerns and sentiments expressed by residents. He stated that the Government has taken all possible measures to reduce ambiguity surrounding prolonged pre-trial detention, noting that it has addressed the courts’ previous space constraints and secured financial independence for the judiciary. With these mechanisms now in place, the President said that detainees are duly informed of the scheduling of their trial hearings.
Addressing public discourse suggesting that detainees could be released within a short timeframe, the President presented specific data on the 347 individuals currently in prolonged pre-trial detention. He noted that this number includes 117 individuals accused of child sexual abuse and 116 suspected of drug trafficking. The list also comprises individuals accused of terrorism, murder, assault, money laundering, prostitution, and other sexual offences. The President questioned whether any citizen would wish for individuals accused of such serious offences to be released into society without undergoing the required judicial due process.
President Dr Muizzu reiterated that the Government has guaranteed both financial and administrative independence for the judiciary. He affirmed that the current Administration does not, and will not, exert influence over the judicial sector to secure specific verdicts, assuring the public that this commitment to the rule of law will be steadfastly upheld.
