PG Office establishes framework to facilitate access to research materials, subject to specific conditions
PG Office has established a mechanism allowing defense teams to review and research documents protected under evidence preservation orders. Following a Supreme Court ruling, the new procedure enables the defense to request access via a specialized form once a court order is issued. These reviews will be conducted within a designated area at the Prosecutor General’s Office, strictly adhering to the scope and limitations specified in the court order.
Prosecutor General's Office. | RaajjeMV
The Prosecutor General’s Office has announced that arrangements have been made for the review of evidentiary documents under protective orders, subject to specific conditions.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that this arrangement was established to provide a streamlined and accessible process for the defense to review documents. Under a protective order for evidence, the defense will be granted the opportunity to examine and study these materials in accordance with the specific conditions set by the presiding judge. The office further noted that this new procedure has been in effect since the 25th of this month.
In its ruling on Case No. 2026/SC-A/9, the Supreme Court of the Maldives established that if courts face logistical challenges in facilitating the review of documents protected under evidence protection orders, the presiding judge has the discretion to order alternative arrangements. This allows for such documents to be examined at the Prosecutor General’s Office or another state institution acceptable to the court, subject to robust established procedures and conditions.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that these arrangements have been established to ensure that the objectives outlined in the case are fully realized.
This process will be conducted under an evidence protection order, subject to specific conditions and in accordance with the established procedures for granting access to review and analyze evidence at the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Under these regulations, if a court orders the Prosecutor General’s Office to arrange for a defendant to review relevant documents, the request must be submitted using the designated form. This specific form is titled "Application to Review and Research Evidence at the Prosecutor General’s Office under a Protective Order."
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that the regulations and relevant forms are now available on the office's official website.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that under these regulations, the opportunity to examine evidence will be granted only at a designated location and to the extent specified in the relevant court order.
