Maldives court allows victim impact statement for first time
The case involved the sentencing of a man from Maldives, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a child.
A court in the Maldives has, for the first time, allowed the submission of a victim impact statement during criminal proceedings, according to the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO).
The case involved the sentencing of a man from Maldives, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a child over a period when the child was between 8 and 18 years old. The court sentenced the accused to 54 years in prison.
A victim impact statement is a written or oral statement provided to the court by a victim, detailing the physical and psychological effects of a crime and explaining the impact the offence has had on the victim’s life.
The PGO stated that the Hulhumale Court presiding over the case allowed the submission of such a statement, which was filed through the prosecutor’s office. Public Prosecutor Almas Mubarak delivered the statement on behalf of the victim.
The statement outlined the consequences of the crime on the child’s life and was submitted prior to sentencing. The prosecution had formally requested the court to grant the opportunity for the victim’s statement to be included in the proceedings.
In a statement, the Prosecutor General’s Office said, “This office is moving towards a victim-centred system by further facilitating the opportunities available to victims within the criminal justice system.”
The PGO welcomed the court’s decision and indicated it would continue efforts to enhance the role of victims in the judicial process.
