Yameen rejects Shujau’s claim he 'played cards” instead of addressing indefinite detention
He claimed a former senior Criminal Court judge had called him to say that indefinite detention was not practised in the same manner during his presidency.
Former President Abdulla Yameen on Sunday responded to remarks made by Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau, who accused him of “playing cards” while in office instead of addressing the issue of indefinite detention.
Shujau’s comments followed a meeting held by President Mohamed Muizzu with residents of Maafannu on Thursday night, where a member of the public criticised the continued use of indefinite detention. The speaker referenced Yameen’s past claim that the issue could be resolved “in five minutes”, suggesting that the President could instruct Home Minister Ali Ihsan and Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef not to seek unnecessary remand orders.
In reply, Shujau said Yameen himself spent “five minutes playing cards” during his administration, adding that even the ceiling of the Criminal Court had collapsed under his rule.
Speaking at a PNF rally on Sunday, Yameen rejected the criticism and said the situation during his government was not comparable to current conditions. He claimed a former senior Criminal Court judge had called him to say that indefinite detention was not practised in the same manner during his presidency.
Yameen reiterated that the issue could indeed be addressed quickly.
“Shujau should know that I played cards for five minutes and finished the bridge,” he said. “They also spent time playing cards instead of focusing on national development.”
Yameen added that during his administration:
-
Indefinite detentions were not imposed in the way they are now.
-
Prosecutors were more experienced and did not pursue unjust remand requests.
-
There was no external influence on prosecutorial decisions.
-
Police were expected to gather adequate evidence before seeking remand.
-
Courts were unlikely to order detention without sufficient evidence.
He said prosecutors should instruct police to complete investigations within seven or 14 days and proceed to court, or release suspects if the deadline is not met.
Yameen also dismissed Shujau’s motives, alleging that the MP was defending the current administration because he “receives money”.
“Shujau should refrain from speaking. He should look back at what was happening around him,” Yameen said.
