President Solih Releases Convicted Drug Dealer Before Elections

MALE, MALDIVES - In a questionable act that has left many Maldivians outraged, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih recently signed off on the release of 25 individuals, most notably the infamous bodybuilder and convicted drug trafficker, Shaheen Ibrahim Didi, better known as Shantey.

Back in 2018, Shantey's fall from grace was swift when he was caught red-handed with an alarming 7 kilograms of dimorphine. Fast forward to 2020, the criminal court, after a thorough examination, delivered its judgment, convicting him on the said charges. His 25-year prison sentence and the accompanying fine of MVR 500,000 RF seemed to be a testament to the justice system's commitment to curbing drug trafficking.

Yet, Shantey's unforeseen release, mere days before the upcoming presidential elections, casts a dark shadow over President Solih's intentions and priorities. Whispers are rampant, with many suggesting that a promise of 40 votes from Shantey's family was the price of his freedom. Such blatant disregard for the principles of justice in favor of political maneuvering, if true, could erode the public's faith in democratic processes.

What further exacerbates the situation is the revelation that among the pardoned are individuals with heinous criminal backgrounds, encompassing murderers, rapists, and child molesters. It's a grim reminder that political expediency seems to have taken precedence over the safety and concerns of the Maldivian citizens.

As the nation gears up for its election, President Solih's recent decisions have undoubtedly cast a pall. The public now faces the pressing challenge of discerning genuine leadership from political opportunism.