Former Maldives leader Solih freed 1,900 prisoners ahead of elections

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said on Sunday that his predecessor, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih freed some 1,900 prisoners in conjunction with various elections during his five years in office.

President Muizzu, who is on a tour of islands in AA. Atoll and K. Atoll, made the comment during a visit to AA. Thoddoo on Sunday morning.

Addressing a rally in Thoddoo, President Muizzu said that he himself has used his executive powers to offer clemency and commute the sentences of 86 prisoners.

But he said that the former administration had freed “hundreds of convicts” in conjunction with each national election.

According to President Muizzu, Solih’s administration:

• Released 429 prisoners in connection to the 2023 presidential elections
• Released 256 prisoners in 2022
• Released 458 prisoners in connection to the 2021 local council elections
• Released 762 prisoners in connection to the 2019 parliamentary elections

“We saw the convicts put in prison released to the community without any sort of rehabilitation. This resulted in many dangerous and violent incidents,” said President Muizzu.

President Muizzu said his administration had never released prisoners in connection to an election for political gain.

But he accused his predecessor of releasing prisoners for political gain with no thought to the consequences for the country.

He also referred to the decision made by his cabinet last week to implement penal reforms that will make inmates who complete prison-based rehabilitations programs eligible for sentence reductions and even pardons. The cabinet also approved a plan to expand work opportunities for inmates both within and outside prison facilities through prison-based rehabilitation programs.

According to President Muizzu, this will also allow inmates to work in various government-run infrastructure projects.

He said the changes will equip prisoners with work skills that will come in handy once they are released, and is also a way for them to contribute to society.

“This is how these things must be addressed. This will ensure a sustainable outcome. This will be a sustainable mechanism. We want there to be stability in our communities,” he said.

“We will not do anything based on a political motivation or for political retaliation.”

The incumbent administration had previously also raised the issue mass release of prisoners by the former administration. According to Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan, the prisoners released included 314 individuals who were sentenced to life for drug trafficking.

Solih has yet to make an official comment regarding the allegations.