Authorities seek solutions to delayed trials

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) on Monday announced plans to continue the detention of suspects until the conclusion of their trials, reaffirming its stance despite growing concerns over delayed court proceedings.

In a bid to address the issue, the PGO hosted a closed-door forum on Saturday, bringing together key stakeholders from the criminal justice system to explore ways to speed up trials.

The forum was attended by representatives from the Prosecutor’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, the Home Ministry, the police, corrections, and defense lawyers. The discussions centered on identifying solutions to the persistent problem of prolonged detention without trial.

According to the PGO, all participating agencies agreed that detention itself is not the issue but rather the slow progress of trials. Authorities acknowledged that many detainees are held for extended periods due to systemic delays, making expedited court proceedings a priority.

During the discussions, participants explored measures to enhance efficiency in criminal trials. Some of the key proposals included:

These measures aim to ease logistical constraints and improve coordination between the courts and law enforcement agencies.

The first phase of the forum involved discussions among law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies, excluding the judiciary. The PGO now plans to present its findings and recommendations to the judiciary before submitting them to the government and other relevant authorities for implementation.

The issue of prolonged detention has been a contentious one, with critics raising concerns over the rights of detainees. However, Home Minister Ali Ihsan defended the practice at the forum, stating that given the current crime situation in the Maldives, at least 3,000 individuals need to remain in custody.

Despite this stance, the forum’s outcomes indicate a recognition of the need for systemic reform.