President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that previous governments failed to take action against gangs because they prioritized political interests and lacked the intention to solve the problem. He said this while answering questions from journalists after signing the “Bill on Preventing Crimes Committed by Gangs and Other Dangerous Crimes” into law. At the ceremony held to sign the gang-related bill into law, journalists were given the opportunity to ask questions about the bill.
During this opportunity, a journalist asked, given the allegations of connections between gangs and political leaders in previous governments, whether the law could be effectively enforced in its true sense. Responding to this question, the President said that strict measures were not taken against gangs before because political leaders lacked the intention to stop it. The President said that previous governments did not make adequate efforts to stop gangs due to prioritizing political interests. The President said that if it is proven that any official in this government uses their influence to exploit a gang, action will be taken. He also said that he genuinely wants to reduce crime in the Maldives with sincerity.
“One of the things that facilitates negative occurrences in the Maldivian environment is committing crimes through gangs. I wish for our society to live in a friendly and peaceful environment. If everyone works together, we can solve the problems,” the President said. The President said that rather than condemning people, he prioritizes distancing everyone from the criminal environment. The President appealed for all parties to work together to establish a unified and friendly society and to make the Maldivian society one that is free from a criminal environment. The Law on Preventing Crimes Committed by Gangs and Other Dangerous Crimes stipulates severe punishments to prevent gang crimes. It also includes provisions to seize those who acquire wealth unjustly.
