President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has asserted that previous governments granted gangs and their affiliates a free pass to further their own interests.

At a press conference held at the President's Office on Sunday to ratify the bill on gangs, Muizzu said that the reason gang-related issues have not been resolved in the Maldives is due to the lack of political will to do so, and asserted that there is no other reason. He also said that gangs or those involved in such activities are given a “free pass” for personal gain.

Muizzu said that during his administration, gang-related issues will be resolved in the true sense. He said that this work will be done sincerely, and that the cooperation of all parties is needed.

Referring to the judicial system, Muizzu said that in his government, there will be no influence exerted on the judiciary, no influence that has been exerted. He said that things will proceed through a “fair” system.

While President Muizzu has made these assertions, numerous legal professionals claim that the judiciary has been compromised and the justice system undermined under the current administration. These concerns follow the recent dismissal of two Supreme Court judges. Notably, the investigative committee included two members directly appointed by President Muizzu.