Maldives Targets Global Lead in Reducing Pre-Trial Detention Numbers

The Maldivian Cabinet has committed to a strategic goal of making the Maldives the country with the lowest rate of pre-trial detainees globally. This decision comes as the government seeks to address long-standing concerns regarding individuals held in custody while awaiting the conclusion of court proceedings. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has identified the backlog of pre-trial cases as a priority for his administration. During a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, the government formalized its intent to drastically reduce the number of people held for investigation without a formal court ruling, a systemic issue that has drawn criticism from various social and legal stakeholders. Since taking office, President Muizzu has implemented reforms designed to insulate the judiciary from political interference. He asserted that previous administrations exerted undue influence over the courts, a practice he claims has ended through the allocation of a dedicated, independent budget for the judiciary. To further expedite the legal process, the President has tasked the Prosecutor General's Office with resolving the cases of all individuals who have remained in pre-trial detention for over a year. The administration is prioritizing fair and timely solutions to ensure that the right to a speedy trial is upheld. Infrastructure has also played a role in the delays. The judiciary previously cited severe space constraints, particularly within the Criminal Court, as a primary cause for prolonged case timelines. In response, the government opened an annex of the Justice Building in Hulhumalé and relocated Criminal Court operations there to increase capacity. These logistical improvements are already yielding results. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) reported that the number of cases concluded by the Criminal Court has increased severalfold following the move to the new facility, signaling a positive shift toward reducing the detention population.