President Solih Releases Life-Sentenced Drug Offenders

MALE', Maldives - In a decision that has stirred debate and public concern, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has exercised his powers under the Remission and Remission Act to release 32 convicts from prison today. The move is part of a larger initiative which plans to release 52 convicts by the end of the month.

The released list, which has since gone viral on social media, includes details of 28 criminals out of the planned 52 criminals. Shockingly, 16 of these convicts had received life sentences in drug-related cases, which in the Maldives equates to 25 years.

Among those released are:

1. Ahmed Hasan
- Island: H. Kulhudhuffushi
- Issue: Marijuana Trafficking
- Serving: 25 years

2. Ahmed Shifau
- Island: S. Hithadhoo
- Issue: Drug Sales
- Serving: 25 years

3. Mohamed Abdul Ghani
- Island: B. Dharavandhoo
- Issue: Smuggling of drugs into the Maldives
- Serving: 25 years

4. Mohamed Faisal
- Island: S. Hithadhoo
- Issue: Marijuana Trafficking
- Serving: 25 years

5. Mohamed Nazim
- Island: K. Himmafushi
- Issue: Diamorphine Trafficking
- Serving: 25 years

6. Niyaz Mohamed
- Island: K. Guraidhoo
- Issue: Drug Abuse
- Serving: 25 years

7. Ahmed Ghassan
- Island: Male' Hiyaa
- Issue: Smuggling of drugs into the Maldives
- Serving: 25 years

8. Ajnad Mohamed
- Island: S. Hithadhoo
- Issue: Smuggling of Drugs
- Serving: 25 years

9. Shaheen Ibrahim Didi
- Island: G. Konde
- Issue: Drug Trafficking and Possession
- Serving: 25 years

10. Sami Abdul Hamid
- Island: Not Specified
- Issue: Marijuana Trafficking
- Serving: 25 years

11. Mohamed Rashid
- Island: R. Hulhudhuffaar
- Issue: Possession of Drugs and Distribution
- Serving: 25 years

12. Mohamed Fayaz
- Island: H.D. Kulhudhuffushi
- Issue: Drug Trafficking
- Serving: 25 years

13. Abdul Latheef
- Island: S. Hithadhoo
- Issue: Smuggling of Drugs into the Maldives
- Serving: 25 years

14. Shamheez Sayed
- Island: G. Villingili
- Issue: Drug Diamorphine Trafficking
- Serving: 25 years

15. Hussam Ibrahim
- Island: H.D. Kumundhoo
- Issue: Drug Diamorphine Trafficking
- Serving: 25 years

16. Mohamed Harith
- Island: T. Kinbidhoo
- Issue: Smuggling drugs into the Maldives
- Serving: 25 years

This list underscores the serious nature of the crimes committed by those who have been released.

Since President Solih's inauguration, a substantial number of convicts have been pardoned and released. The number stands at an alarming close to 600 individuals as of 2022. This number includes a significant proportion of drug lords, violent offenders, and child predators.
The president's continuous use of his powers to release convicts, especially those sentenced for serious crimes, has been a point of contention. It's worth noting that, in August alone, 23 convicts were freed, prior to that 25 criminals in July.

The transparency and rationale behind such decisions have been questioned. A request made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to disclose information regarding the crimes of these released convicts was denied. The government cited potential disruptions to the president's office's functioning as the reason for withholding such crucial information.

The Maldivian public awaits further clarity on this matter. Releasing such a high number of convicts, many of whom were involved in grave crimes, without proper disclosure or reasoning, can potentially pose security and trust challenges for the Solih administration.
The Maldives Journal.