The Government of Maldives is accelerating efforts to reduce prolonged pre-trial detention, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu emphasising that no individual should remain in custody beyond what is permitted by law.

Addressing the issue at a press conference held at the President’s Office, President Dr Muizzu said that delays in trial proceedings, particularly at the Criminal Court had resulted in a significant number of individuals being held in extended remand. He stated that a review of the matter found the existing court infrastructure to be inadequate for the volume of pending cases.

As a response, the relocation of the Criminal Court to Hulhumalé is underway, with the process described by the President as progressing at a very fast pace. The new building, being developed by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), will house both the Criminal Court and the Drug Court, with facilities designed to allow simultaneous hearings of multiple cases.

The President said the relocation would play a crucial role in easing the backlog and enhancing judicial efficiency. He also noted that limited space at the Prosecutor General’s Office had contributed to delays in case progression, prompting the Government to initiate expansion efforts there as well.

Official figures indicate that 354 individuals are currently held in pretrial detention. Of these, 70 are linked to assault cases, 108 to rape and child sexual abuse, 17 to terrorism, and 118 to drug-related offences. The President stressed that, while the Government is committed to ensuring fairness, those facing serious charges cannot be legally released without the completion of due legal processes.

He reiterated the Administration’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals are treated lawfully and that efforts are being made to resolve case delays, with the completion of the new Criminal Court building expected by July 2025.