President: Justice will be upheld equally under Islamic principles

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged that justice in the Maldives will be administered in accordance with Islamic principles, stressing that the law must apply equally to everyone regardless of their family background or political affiliation.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the People’s National Congress (PNC) congress, President Muizzu said leadership is a trust and responsibility given by Allah, and that fulfilling this responsibility requires establishing justice in the country.

He said no individual should be above the law and that legal action must be taken against anyone who violates Maldivian law, regardless of their lineage, position or political affiliation.

The President said allowing people to violate the rights or property of others without taking action cannot be considered justice. He described justice as applying the law fairly and within its legal limits without causing harm or oppression to any individual.

The President also said his administration is providing the judiciary and courts with the resources and assistance required to carry out their responsibilities.

According to the President, lasting peace and stability in the Maldives depend on ensuring justice. He also reiterated that his administration has no intention of imprisoning individuals for political reasons.

Reflecting on the country’s judicial history, The President referred to previous instances in which he said the executive branch interfered with the judiciary. He specifically recalled the 2018 incident in which security forces entered the Supreme Court amid a state of emergency and arrested senior judges, as well as the detention of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

The President said the judiciary has operated independently since his administration came to power in 2023 and pledged that his government would not interfere in the work of the courts.

The President’s remarks come amid his government’s broader efforts to reform the judicial sector. In his address, he also announced that the long-delayed project to develop a new Superior Court complex has now been handed over to a contractor.

The Superior Court, established under the 2008 Constitution, is the highest court in the Maldivian judicial system. The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, while the Judicial Services Commission is responsible for matters including the appointment and discipline of judges.

The President has previously called for strengthening the country’s judicial institutions and improving public confidence in the justice system, making judicial reform one of the areas highlighted by his administration since taking office in November 2023.