President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met with a group of legal and social advocates pressing for action on the issue of prolonged pre-trial detention, acknowledging the need for systemic reform and pledging to explore alternative release mechanisms.
The meeting took place Wednesday afternoon at the President’s Office, where the advocates shared their concerns about individuals who remain incarcerated for extended periods without trial. They commended the current administration for showing more resolve on the issue than previous governments and expressed cautious optimism for meaningful progress.
During the discussion, the advocates proposed a series of reforms to address the prolonged detentions. Among the suggestions was the introduction of supervised release systems — including electronic tagging — to allow detainees a second chance while ensuring they remain accountable.
The group also highlighted structural shortcomings in the judicial system, calling for improvements to administrative efficiency and infrastructure to help speed up the judicial process. They further raised concerns about substandard detention conditions, urging the government to uphold principles of compassion and justice, as rooted in Islamic values.
President Muizzu, in response, reaffirmed that the introduction of a structured and comprehensive bail framework is a key component of his administration’s criminal justice reform agenda. He revealed that consultations with the Prosecutor General and the Attorney General are scheduled to take place soon, specifically to explore the feasibility of monitored release options such as electronic monitoring.
The President also pointed to ongoing efforts to expand judicial infrastructure, including the development of a new court complex. He noted that temporary measures to accelerate pending cases are under review.
Addressing the advocates’ concerns about detention conditions, President Muizzu assured that a thorough assessment of prison environments will be undertaken and that all feedback provided would be treated with seriousness.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the advocacy group submitted a detailed report outlining short-term proposals, which included statistical data and individual case examples to illustrate the scope and human impact of prolonged pre-trial detention.
