Theatrical antics of certain individuals in Maldivian courts have become a major farce; legal proceedings must be expedited: Jinah
Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Jinah stated that the prolonged duration of the Maldives' criminal justice process allows offenders a greater opportunity to evade charges. He highlighted that these delays in the judicial system enable individuals to escape accountability by fabricating evidence and orchestrating deceptive tactics within the courtroom.
Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Jinah. | Raajje MV
Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Jinah has stated that the tendency of some individuals to create "drama" in Maldivian courts has become a major joke, emphasizing the urgent need to expedite the prosecution process.
He made these remarks while speaking on Raajje TV’s "Fala Surukhee" program.
He stated that the current duration required to file charges is excessively long. Furthermore, he noted that the practice of extending detention in 30-day increments is not a procedure followed in any other country. He added that the current system prevents trials from proceeding and hinders the effective building of cases.
He further noted that prolonged delays in the prosecution process significantly increase the likelihood of criminal suspects evading justice.
"The suspect has come prepared with an elaborate script, ready to stage a major performance. We have witnessed such theatrical displays before in the Criminal Court of the Maldives. They orchestrate these dramas by fabricating evidence and summoning various individuals to testify," Jinah said.
Furthermore, Jinah highlighted the lack of accountability regarding individuals held in indefinite pretrial detention. Jinah emphasized that holding a person in custody without filing charges is entirely unacceptable.
He further noted that efforts to end the practice of indefinite pretrial detention, currently appear to focus on providing training to the police and other relevant authorities. He emphasized that this issue does not stem from a lack of procedural knowledge among judges or police officers, but rather from a loophole within the legal procedures themselves.
He stated that the Maldives must observe how developed nations protect general civil rights and noted that significant reforms are necessary. He further emphasized the need to establish mechanisms that expedite the prosecution process and eliminate the habitual delays in legal cases.
