Former CP says dangerous criminal recently released as well

A notorious criminal who poses a potential threat both to the country and the international community was released just days ahead of the Parliamentary Elections held this year, alleged former Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed.

His statement was made on X (formerly Twitter), in response to Ahmed Azan, MP of Central Hithadhoo constituency, who questioned whether Hameed advocated against the release of dangerous criminals after it was discovered that last night's knife-to-the-throat hostage incident of a woman in Malé was carried out by a former inmate who was released during the former administration when Hameed was Commissioner of Police.

The perpetrator of last night's incident has been identified as Adam Athhar from Shaviyani atoll's Milandhoo island. It has been reported that he was pardoned by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2022.

When questioned by MP Azan, Hameed said that he shares Azan's concerns about the misuse of the system that jeopardises public safety.

"In fact, I personally intervened twice to prevent the release of a particular individual who poses a significant threat, not only to the Maldives but potentially to the international community. Unfortunately, this individual was released by manipulating the system just two days before this year's Parliament Election," he wrote.

"As you now serve on the Security Services Committee of the Parliament, I urge you to address these vulnerabilities in the system. Public safety should never be compromised for political gain," he further said, responding to Azan.

While Hameed has made this claim against the government, Home Ministry is yet to confirm or deny the allegation.

According to information obtained by local media outlet 'Mihaaru' under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, a total of 13 prisoners were pardoned by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, ahead of the parliamentary elections held this year, with only one of them being pardoned by the recommendation of the clemency board.

The names of those who were released back then are currently making rounds on social media. According to the list, one individual imported and carried weapons. His release was justified by the government by claiming that majority of his sentence was served and that the remaining time on his prison term was a small sentence related to drugs. Local reports suggest he was released on a three year parole.

However, presidential pardons are not new to the Maldives. During the first four months of former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, 274 individuals are reported to have been released. These include 18 recommended by the clemency board and 256 by the president's initiative.

From first January of last year to 16 November, an additional 434 people were released on parole and clemency. This was also under President Solih's administration. Of these, 53 were released on parole, with most of them having been charged with drug related crimes.

Hameed previously also shared his views against the release of accused and repeat offenders as well as granting clemency and parole to dangerous criminals by both the current and previous governments alike.

He said it was also not a good idea to think that criminals should always be in jail and parole and clemency are part of the system. However, it should be implemented very responsibly, Hameed said.

Home Land Security Minister Ali Ihsan has also said that the release of criminals under parole and clemency options has led to an increase in some types of crimes in the society.