Parliament members criticize government for failing to address prolonged pre-trial detention

Opposition lawmakers have criticized the government for failing to resolve the issue of prolonged pre-trial detention, citing the suffering of detainees’ families and the lack of meaningful reform.

During debate on an amendment to the Evidence Act, which would allow the High Court to order journalists to disclose sources, Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas questioned why so many individuals remain in custody for years without trial.

“Why are they still in prolonged detention? Is it because judges lack proper facilities? Or because this Parliament hasn’t passed the necessary laws? Is the government obstructing justice, or is it the Prosecutor General?” Abbas asked.

He noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had pledged to lift prolonged pre-trial detention, but nearly a year into his administration, families continue to suffer.

“In my constituency, a mother of three is in great distress. Her family has knocked on every door, but justice remains out of reach. Meanwhile, we see certain cases fast-tracked like fireworks, only because they’re at the top,” Abbas said.

Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem echoed the criticism, citing examples of inconsistent detention periods.

“Three days for a man charged in a case where a youth fell from a roof. Fifteen days for protesting. Five days for robbing bank staff at an international airport. Ten days for someone who ate from a café out of hunger,” he said.

Meekail accused the government of undermining judicial independence, claiming its only action so far has been to destabilize the Supreme Court.

President Muizzu has pledged to bring a permanent solution to the issue of pre-trial detention. His manifesto prioritizes the establishment of a comprehensive bail system in the Maldives.