President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that all cases involving individuals held in pre-trial detention for over one year will be concluded by the end of March next year. There has been a widespread call from many quarters for the government to expedite these trials and reach a definitive decision regarding those in pre-trial detention. Responding to these concerns, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that, according to information obtained by the Attorney General’s Office, the trials for individuals who have been in pre-trial detention for more than one year are expected to conclude by the end of March next year, leading to a final determination of their status. Following this, efforts will also be initiated to address the detention status of the remaining individuals, the President elaborated during a meeting with residents of Hulhumalé Phase One.
The President quoted, “Based on the information received by the Attorney General’s Office, the court proceedings for all individuals who have been in pre-trial detention for over a year are anticipated to conclude by the end of next March. Subsequently, the matters concerning all other remaining individuals will also progress, as informed by the AG’s Office.” President Muizzu had previously stated that 347 individuals are currently in pre-trial detention. He questioned whether any citizen would desire the release of these 347 individuals, who are suspected of serious offenses, without a thorough investigation.
The President further detailed that among those in pre-trial detention, 29 individuals are held on suspicion of murder, 20 for terrorism-related cases, 117 for child sexual abuse, 70 for assault cases, and 116 for drug trafficking. He also highlighted that individuals are detained for various other offenses, including money laundering, theft, armed robbery, domestic violence, kidnapping, human trafficking, same-sex relations, arson, prostitution, and smuggling.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed strong confidence that the issue of pre-trial detention will be effectively resolved through the judicial reforms currently being implemented to ensure an independent judiciary.
