Pres hopes speedy justice for Yameen through independent judiciary
The President said the judiciary has been running independently since the first day of this administration and that is also a promise he is fulfilling.
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By
Ahmed Mizyal
President Mohamed Muizzu has said that the judicial system operates without any interference from the government now and hopes that former President Abdulla Yameen will get justice soon through the courts.
One of President Muizzu's strongest statements during his presidential campaign and one of the most important pledges he made was to free Yameen, who is serving a jail sentence in the MMPRC scam.
Yameen is currently serving his 11-year prison sentence in the lease of the V. Aarah case, under house arrest, but it was commuted by the government of former President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih shortly after the presidential election, before President Muizzu was sworn in.
Yameen's release has been delayed and this has caused for a division to emerge among the party's leadership and supporters. Yameen has formed a new party called the People's National Front (PNF). The PPM and PNC are currently led by President Muizzu.
Yameen's conviction was challenged in the High Court and the case reached a verdict, but the matter was stalled from there. There is another case pending against Yameen.
President Muizzu, who is visiting the southern atolls, said he would not hurt anyone for political reasons.
"Always and always in this country we see people in political positions being arrested. Or punished and imprisoned [for being political]," he said.
"Being punished for a crime is another thing. The rule of law must prevail in a democracy. And the meaning behind the existence of a Constitution is ruling by the law. In the Constitution, no one can be discriminated against”.
The President said the judiciary has been running independently since the first day of this administration and that is also a promise he is fulfilling.
A country can only find peace and stability if its political leaders are allowed to work freely, President Muizzu said, adding that he hoped Yameen would get justice.
"After all this time, the delay in getting justice for President Yameen will not bring peace to the country. He too should get justice," Muizzu said.
"Justice delayed is justice not served. Justice delayed is justice denied."
"I hope he will get justice through the trial soon. There will be no one in this government to prevent that," he said.
