President: Criminals will face punishment regardless of political affiliation

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that Maldivian law must be enforced against anyone who commits a criminal offense, regardless of their identity or political affiliation.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)'s congress, the President emphasized that an independent judiciary is essential for a government to govern with justice.

"The rule of law must be applied to those who commit offenses defined under the laws of the Maldives. To let such actions slide is not justice. Therefore, I will establish justice in this country in its true sense. This means that anyone who commits a crime will face the legal consequences; it will not matter who they are, whose child they are, or which political party they belong to," the President stated.

He further described leadership as a significant trust and responsibility bestowed by Allah SWT, pledging to discharge this duty with the utmost integrity and in accordance with Islamic principles.

Reflecting on past incidents involving alleged interference in the judiciary, including the detention of judges and the removal of roof tiles from the Supreme Court to facilitate the arrest of justices, the President recalled personally witnessing former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, the Chief Justice, and Supreme Court justices being held in prison cells. He described these incidents as deeply distressing experiences for the nation.

President Muizzu said that since assuming office in 2023, he has ensured the independence of the judiciary and maintained that the government will not interfere in judicial affairs. He added that the government has also provided the courts with the necessary resources, including by awarding a contract to resume the long-delayed Superior Court Complex project.

The President further described justice as a "two-way street," stressing that while there should be no room for tyranny, it would also be unjust to overlook cases in which individuals have unlawfully violated the rights or property of citizens. He maintained that such cases must be investigated through due process.

He concluded by stating that national stability can only be achieved through the full establishment of justice, reiterating that the administration does not have a policy of imprisoning individuals for political reasons.

The remarks come as the state has summoned former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom to the Criminal Court later this month in connection with bribery and money laundering charges. According to the court summons, Yameen is required to appear at 09:15am on September 29^th for a hearing concerning pre-trial motions.

Yameen was initially convicted on December 25, 2022, of bribery and money laundering in connection with the lease of V. Aarah. However, following a lengthy appeals process, the High Court overturned the conviction in late 2023 and ordered a retrial. While the High Court ruled that new evidence submitted by the state during the initial trial could not be used in the retrial, the Supreme Court upheld the decision on July 1 of this year.