Pres. expresses regret at freeing jailed convict

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed regret at freeing a jailed convict earlier in his presidency.

Speaking on morning show 'Fashairu of Raajje TV, President Solih said he wishes he had not made the the decision of freeing a jailed convict in haste, even if the step was taken within the legal boundaries.

"Today, I wish I had not made that decision [to free the jailed convict]. I deeply regret it even today', said President Solih.

"[However], the damages of reversing a previous decision would be more", added the President.

Although the President did not mention the identity of the convict, it is believed that the President was referring to Ibrahim Rasheed (Hoara) who was jailed on charges of having illicit sexual relations with a minor. He was pardoned by the President during the early days of presidency. The move had ensued public outrage and criticism at the government.

Speaking on rumors that the government is slowing down its pace, the president said he is not one to do things in haste. He stressed on the importance of weighing the consequences of an action before making the best possible decision. He does not believe it is an issue to take out the time needed to rectify existing issues.

"The pace of the government is not slow. We have successfully achieved most of the pledges we targeted to achieve within the first 100 days of administration", pointed out the president.