President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that 347 individuals currently held in custody cannot be released into the community while their trials are ongoing. He made the remarks during a meeting with residents of Maafannu at Thaajuddeen School, where a member of the public raised concerns about the fulfilment of his pledge regarding detainees.

The President explained that, when he assumed office, the Criminal Court and Drug Court lacked adequate facilities, which had delayed the scheduling of hearings. He said improvements have since been made, enabling cases to be organised and processed more efficiently.

Outlining the nature of the cases, the President said the detainees include 29 suspects in murder and attempted murder cases, 20 held on terrorism charges, 117 accused of child sexual abuse, 70 detained for assault, and others facing charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, armed robbery, kidnapping and domestic violence.

He said such cases involve serious offences and cannot be resolved through immediate release, adding that the government’s role is to ensure the judiciary can function independently and conduct trials without interference.