The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced its decision to seek measures that will fast-track the cases seeking charges against child sex offenders at courts.

The commission revealed that meetings have been held with Chief Judges at Maldives courts in order to question them about delays in such cases, and that discussions have been held on measures that can efficiently fast-track such cases.

Further, JSC decided to order the Judicial Service Administration to establish a system that will allow such cases to be probed under a “trial block” process and to make arrangements that will allow fast-tracked trials in such cases, without delays.

Since the emergence of a case where a two-year-old was sexually assaulted by her close family members in Kanduhulhudhoo island of Gaaf Alif atoll, more such cases have been making the spotlight. This has led to communities across the entire Maldives taking to the streets to demonstrate, calling for swift action and justice.

Relevant authorities have since been questioned by the Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights and Gender regarding the concerning news, following which the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has assured the public that they are doing everything necessary to ensure children’s rights are protected.