Treaty with India on assistance in criminal cases to be submitted to parliament

Papers regarding the treaty between the Maldives and India on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters is to be submitted for parliament’s approval.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the decision on Tuesday following recommendations of the Cabinet.

According to the President’s Office, the treaty covers a wide area of mutual assistance in the service of summons, execution of warrants, and other judicial documents and commissions.

It also includes improving the effectiveness of both countries in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of crime, including crime related to terrorism and tracing, restraints forfeiture or confiscation of funds meant for financing of terrorism and also the proceeds and instruments of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

The treaty is also to facilitate the fight against criminal activity, especially crime related to terrorism. It will also aid in criminal investigations, obtaining evidence, and broadening the opportunity for interrogations.

The Maldives Prosecutor General’s Office is to transmit and receive all requests made under the treaty.

The President’s Office will be undertaking all preliminary legal procedures to sign the treaty.

The Maldives government is also in discussions with Sri Lanka, UAE, and Russia, in pursuing similar treaties.