Every Maldivian citizen must have access to equal justice, says Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Judicial Conference 2020 at Dharubaaruge on Wednesday morning, Chief Justice Muthasim highlighted that judges are appointed under a special oath to undertake their responsibilities and as such, they must always strive to maintain this oath.
Further, stressing that a person’s financial status or race must not be considered when delivering justice, the chief justice added that justice must be served in complete transparency and equality, to all.
There must not be discrimination in serving justice, be the person poor or royal. A person’s race must not be considered. Justice must be provided equally and in fairness to everyone”
~ Muthasim Adnan
During his speech, Muthasim also shed light on the mounting cases of harassment and sexual assault against children in recent days.
In light of this, the Chief Justice asserted that there are set laws drafted specifically for such cases and that there are set procedures that must be followed. He urged Maldivian justices and magistrates to follow through.
Discussions revolving around the challenging facing justices and magistrates in following the procedures set for such cases are also set to be held throughout the conference, added Muthasim.
Also speaking at the conference, Judicial Administrator Dr. Abdulla Nazeer revealed that the conference will also see discussions regarding the challenges that may surface in implementing the child justice act.
During the two-day conference, discussions will mainly focus on the children’s justice system as well as challenges and hindrances being faced in the judicial system to implement laws.
