President rules out release of sexual offence suspects under leniencies
The President stated that the government's aim is to reduce the number of detainees by approximately one-third.
President Mohamed Muizzu has stated that individuals held in custody for sexual offences will not be among those eligible for release under proposed measures to ease prolonged pre-trial detention.
The announcement was made during the fifth episode of the President’s Office’s Rayyithunna Eku podcast on Thursday, following a meeting held yesterday between the President and several advocates for detainees held pending trial or in what has been described as 'unwanted' detention.
According to President Muizzu, proposals discussed included conditional release mechanisms, such as electronic tagging and monitored freedoms for those in custody under specific arrangements. However, the President clarified that individuals accused of sexual offences, particularly those involving children, will not be considered for such leniencies.
“I don’t want to bring those people [those in custody for sexual offences] home even with tags,” President Muizzu said, adding that there are approximately 100 individuals currently in custody for such offences.
The President met today with Home Minister Ali Ihsan, Attorney General Ahmed Usham, and Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef to discuss the implementation of the proposed changes.
When questioned in the podcast about whether individuals accused of other serious offences, including murder and assault, would be eligible for release under conditions, the President responded that some may be considered, depending on the nature of the case and evidence. He said cases involving allegations of assault, terrorism, drug-related offences, and gang activity may be evaluated, excluding sexual offences.
The President stated that the government's aim is to reduce the number of detainees by approximately one-third. He has directed the police, Attorney General's Office, and Prosecutor General’s Office to assess and process eligible cases.
In addition to conditional release, President Muizzu said the government is considering withdrawing charges in cases where the evidence is considered weak.
To address structural delays in the judicial process, the President said expediting trials is a long-term solution to the issue of pre-trial detention. The government is currently constructing a temporary court building in Hulhumale to alleviate existing space constraints in the court system.
