Pres. claps back at Yameen: Discriminating between people isn’t a choice, will never do it

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has indirectly responded to former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, stating that legally discriminating between people is not a “choice,” and affirming no one will be subjected to legal inequality.

Speaking during the ruling PNC rally held on Friday night, President Muizzu, citing his administration has made no politically motivated arrests over the past two years, emphasized that this approach will continue in the future. As such, he emphasized that he is unconcerned by any remarks from opposition political figures.

The President, recalling all political leaders had been jailed during former administrations, said his administration has never acted out in the spirit of vengeance.  

The President affirmed his intention to bring true peace to the Maldives, adding that his administration was working under this vision. He added that true peace can only be achieved by letting go of the poisonous spirit of vengeance and putting the nation first.

Speaking further, President Muizzu stated that the prison cells once used to detain political leaders are now empty. He emphasized that no one is being sent there, explaining that this reflects the absence of any intention for revenge.

“Most importantly, the law will be enforce in accordance with established judicial procedures, and the country will be governed by a lawful administration. No one will be discriminated against in a lawful administration. It is not my choice to discriminate when running a lawful administration. It is not up for choice, to discriminate between this person and that person, in a just and lawful administration,” he said.

The President emphasized that granting leniency while enforcing a lawful administration amounts to compromising justice, and he affirmed that he will never do so.

The President’s remarks are likely an indirect rebuttal to remarks by Yameen during PNF gathering on Thursday night, stating he does not want a pardon, if it is from this administration.

Yameen claimed he was jailed in the last administration in order to fulfill an electoral pledge of then-president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He added that two incumbent ministers visited Solih at the instructions of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and pleaded to keep him in prison.

Yameen remarked that he is facing all of his trial stages with firm resolve. He further said that he has the public’s support.

Yameen emphasized that President Muizzu and his close acquaintances cannot escape justice when their cases are investigated after the current administration ends.

Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2022, on charges of bribery and money laundering in connection with the sale of V. Aarah. The High Court overturned the conviction on April 18, citing major legal irregularities.

But instead of a full exoneration, the court overturned the two convictions and ordered a retrial in the case.

As such, the Criminal Court is currently reviewing the case, alongside two more charges against the former president in a separate case.