Detainees Who Require Careful Judicial Review are in Prolonged Pretrial Detention, Says President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Thursday evening that individuals currently held in prolonged pre-trial detention are those accused of serious offences that require careful judicial examination.

The President made the remarks while addressing residents of the Maafannu district during a community consultation held at Thaajuddeen School.

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Vaanuvaa, or prolonged detention, refers to individuals who remain in state custody for until their cases are over, sometimes for years, without clarity on when their cases will proceed, due to the slow processing of the existing judicial system.

Speaking at the meeting, President Muizzu acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and said the Government has taken significant steps to reduce uncertainty surrounding prolonged pre-trial detention.

Responding to public claims that detainees could be released swiftly, the President shared detailed figures on the 347 individuals currently in prolonged pre-trial detention. He said this group includes 117 individuals accused of child sexual abuse and 116 suspected of drug trafficking, as well as 20 who are accused of terrorism, 29 who are accused of murder, 70 accused of assault and others accused of money laundering, prostitution and other sexual offences.

The President questioned whether citizens would want individuals accused of such serious crimes “released back to the community within five minutes”.

He said past delays stemmed from the courts’ limited facilities and lack of financial independence, but noted that the Government has now ensured both financial and administrative autonomy for the judiciary. With these changes in place, he said detainees are being informed of their scheduled hearings, and cases are progressing more efficiently.

“The Attorney General just informed me that, as a result [of these steps], the prolonged detention period has now ended with the detainees being unaware when their trials would be scheduled, with them being informed of the date of their trials, and prompt processing of their cases,” he said.

He reiterated that the Administration does not, and will not, influence the judiciary to secure specific verdicts, and affirmed that the Government will uphold its commitment to the rule of law.