President: No authority to release detainees accused of serious crimes

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said on Thursday evening that he has no authority to release individuals held pending trial on charges of serious crimes, and stressed that he would not do so.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with residents of Maafannu, where a young man voiced concern that pre-trial detention has not yet been abolished despite campaign pledges. The youth, speaking in poetic verse, also lamented that detainees remain unprocessed and unreleased.

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— The President's Office (@presidencymv) December 4, 2025

The President acknowledged that the issue of pre-trial detention had long been mired in confusion, with many cases still unresolved and defendants uncertain when their trials would begin. He said the government has taken steps to address the matter, including relocating the Criminal Court and Drug Court to new facilities with improved resources.

“As a result, cases of those in custody pending trial have now begun,” he said, adding that the Attorney General had just informed him that hearings are underway after delays caused by space and resource constraints.

The President rejected the notion that detainees could be released “within five minutes” to solve the problem, noting that 347 people are currently in custody pending trial, many facing charges for dangerous crimes. He detailed the breakdown:

• 29 accused of murder  

• 20 facing terrorism charges  

• 117 accused of child sexual abuse  

• 70 in fighting cases  

• 116 in drug trafficking cases  

He added that others are detained on charges including money laundering, armed robbery, homosexuality, and kidnapping.

“Would the people of Maldives want me to release such people to society in five minutes?” President Muizzu asked, drawing audible responses of “no” from the audience. He emphasized: “Even if you say I can release them in five minutes, I don’t think I have the right, I don’t have the space, and I shouldn’t release someone accused of child sexual abuse, terrorism, fighting, murder, or drug trafficking.”

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— The President's Office (@presidencymv) December 4, 2025

President Muizzu reiterated that his government will not interfere with the judiciary, saying the administration seeks to truly liberalize the courts. He also reaffirmed his pledge to lift the ban on pre-trial detention.

Meanwhile, a campaign titled “End Vaanuva” has recently been launched to highlight public concern over prolonged pre-trial detention.