Indefinite detainees can't be released abruptly: Pres

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that the reason why release until their cases have not finished for those who have been held in remand and then on indefinite detention for years is not possible is due to the major allegations against them.

During last night's meeting with Maafannu residents at Thaajudheen School, an individual who shared their concerns stated that if the President requests as such, the release of those who are on indefinite detention would occur within five minutes and that the President himself can make it happen.

While answering questions regarding those who are on indefinite detention at the meeting which had gone on for quite some time, President Muizzu shared some of the allegations against those who are on indefinite detention and how many of them there are.

The President stated that even though people say that he can release those on indefinite detention within five minutes, releasing those who have been accused of child sexual abuse, terrorism, murder and drug trafficking is not a right he has as the President.

"It is not something I should even do. And that is why it cannot happen," said President Muizzu in regards to why he cannot release those on indefinite detention within five minutes.

The President stated that the government is working on providing resources to the courts so that trials can be expedited. In that vein, he stated that expanding the court room of the Criminal Court is something the government is doing. However, the President repeatedly said that they do not want to lean on the judiciary to conduct themselves in a specific manner.

"Now, a lot of work is being sped up, with work that has been in limbo and piling up being looked at. The work that has been left to the wayside due to capacity issues, lack of space and lack of resources," said President Muizzu.

In response to the comment that he could release those on indefinite detention in five minutes, President Muizzu answered with statistics. He described the serious nature of the allegations against those who are on indefinite detention.

After sharing the statistics, President Muizzu asked the audience whether they would want them to be released.

"Do Maldivian citizens want these individuals to be released onto the streets within five minutes?" asked President Muizzu.

Afterwards, he gave details regarding other cases along with felonies.

As per the President, cases in the "other" category include theft, armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, same-sex relations, arson and smuggling.

As President Muizzu had described it, current cases do not fit into the indefinite detention regulations. He also stated that most of those who are detained are aware of the information regarding their trial dates.

President Muizzu said that the courts are giving the detainees the information even better than before.

"This government will not influence the judiciary. We want to free them while exercising the truest sense of the word. What can the government do to grant them freedom? The government can make it so that the judiciary functions. The judiciary was locked up in the past. They had no space to work. Their building had fallen onto their heads," said the President.

President Muizzu said that the current government has found buildings for the Drug Court and the Criminal Court, and will soon begin work on buildings for the Superior Courts.

"We are establishing resources. We have hopefully harmonized pay for salaries. And then we separated the budget, which is important to give freedom to the judiciary," said President Muizzu.