Tag: Hussein Shameem

Candidates threaten boycott after judicial interference in JSC lawyer election

Four of the five lawyers competing in an upcoming poll to elect a lawyer to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) have threatened a boycott after judicial interference.

Lawyers Hussein Shameem, Mohamed Fareed, Anas Abdul Sattar, and Mohamed Faisal expressed concern over reports the Supreme Court may allow judges in magistrate courts in the islands to vote via fax on July 13 – a move, which would violate the secrecy of the ballot.

The attorney general had initially compiled regulations barring judges who have lawyer permits from voting to elect a representative from the lawyer community.

But the Supreme Court on June 23 ruled that all licensed lawyers, including judges and MPs, would be eligible to vote in polls.

Lawyers have said the decision allows judges undue influence in electing a representative from the legal community, pointing out judges already have three representatives on the ten-member commission.

AG Mohamed Anil then extended the initial deadline for candidates to submit applications from June 24 to June 30.

Subsequently, a public relations staff member at the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA), Latheefa Qasim, applied for the position. Latheefa worked at the DJA until she was appointed as President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan’s representative to the ten-member commission.

Latheefa was replaced when new President Abdulla Yameen took oath of office in November 2013.

The four candidates have said Latheefa appears to be backed by the judiciary.

“There is a conflict of interest when an individual employed with the judiciary to improve its image is running for an oversight body,” Shameem said.

Fareed said Latheefa running in the election is like disgraced Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed standing for the position.

Meanwhile, both Anas and Faisal have raised questions over Latheefa’s eligibility, noting JSC regulations state no JSC member can run for consecutive terms.

Faisal said he believed Latheefa had completed a term as she had sat in the commission as a presidential appointee in the current term.

If Latheefa is eligible to run, any current member could resign now, and run again claiming they have not completed a full term, he said.

“There is doubt over whether Latheefa Qasim is standing on her own initiative or is being fielded by other interests. I say this because she submitted her application after the Supreme Court ruling, when the deadline was extended,” he added.

Latheefa was not responding to calls despite repeated attempts at the time of press.

All four candidates insisted the criticisms were not a personal attack on Latheefa.

The four met last week and discussed whether to field a single candidate against Latheefa, but decided to run separately, claiming they still stand a fair chance of winning elections as long as the secrecy of the ballot is protected.

Polling booths are to be set up in Arabiyya School in Malé and in islands where more than five eligible voters are registered to vote. They are Haa Alif atoll Ihavandhoo, Haa Dhaal atoll Kulhudhuffushi, Thaa atoll Veymandoo, Laamu atoll Fonadhoo and Gaaf Alif atoll Villingili.

“There is no point of contesting elections if the secrecy of the ballot is affected. There are approximately 136 magistrates court judges – a number than can significantly change the election outcome. If there is a perceived judiciary backed candidate, they will be forced to vote for the candidate endorsed by the judiciary, if the secrecy of ballot is violated,” Faisal said.

Fareed said the four candidates are still ready to field a single candidate or boycott the election if necessary should the judiciary interfere in election procedures.

“We will not blindly obey the Supreme Court’s decisions,” Fareed said.

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Majority of criminal trials cancelled for third day

Majority of criminal trials have been cancelled for the third day over legal issues caused by an ongoing leadership vacuum at the independent Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office.

State prosecutors ended a weeklong strike on Tuesday and started attending trials following a Supreme Court ruling, but the majority of hearings were cancelled for the third day today as courts remain unclear on how to interpret the ruling.

The strike came in response to acting PG Hussein Shameem’s resignation and brought the criminal justice system to a halt.

Prosecutors said they were in a “legal void” and expressed concern over lack of accountability in the absence of a PG or deputy PG.

However, the Supreme Court’s ruling on Monday ordered prosecutors to resume work “without any further excuse” claiming there was no legal basis for them evading responsibilities handed over by the prosecutor general or his deputy.

Subsequently, the Criminal Court on Tuesday said it would only proceed with cases if prosecutors had a document signed by the leadership authorising them to represent the state in a specific case.

However, local media said the courts were in disarray with only some judges following the policy.

In response, Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussein sent a letter to Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed stating that cases should proceed if prosecutors were authorised by the senior most official at the PG office to represent the state.

Faiz reminded the Criminal Court that its ruling said the criminal justice system must not come to a halt.

The Supreme Court in its ruling said the country was in a “state of necessity” where extra legal actions by the government could be deemed lawful.

However, critics have said the state of necessity argument could only be valid if either the executive and legislative branches were in a situation where they cannot carry out their constitutional duty and approve a new PG.

Former PG Ahmed Muizz resigned in November 2013 shortly before a vote of no confidence at the People’s Majlis.

The People’s Majlis rejected President Abdulla Yameen’s first choice – his nephew Maumoon Hameed – for the job in March.

Deputy PG Shameem headed the office for five months in the absence of a PG, but resigned on May 6 citing the Criminal Court’s “obstruction” of criminal justice.

In his resignation statement, Shameem highlighted the Criminal Court’s failure to prosecute foreigners involved in drug trafficking, delays in issuing rulings on drug related offenses, and “unreasonable obstacles” in filing cases at the court.

“These issues obstruct the proper functioning of the criminal justice system. I am deeply saddened to note the extreme delay on the part of those who have the power to address these issues,” he said.

Shameem called on the state to approve a new candidate immediately, but Yameen has said he will only submit a new nominee to the newly elected parliament, which is set to convene on May 28. The ruling coalition enjoys a healthy majority in the new Majlis.

The current Majlis is in recess, but Speaker Abdulla Shahid has said an extraordinary session could be scheduled on the request of one-third of sitting MPs.

Local media has today revealed that seven candidates have applied for the vacant PG’s position. The third call for applications were closed today at 3pm.

Former attorney general and President of the Bar Association Husnu Suood said the apex court’s ruling might allow the status quo to continue indefinitely.

“I am saddened the Supreme Court did not allocate a time period in which the president and parliament must appoint a new PG. The way to uphold the constitution, the real solution to this problem, is to appoint a new PG as soon as possible,” he said.

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Judicial watchdog considers probe into Drug Court Judge’s blog

The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is considering a probe into a blog post by Drug Court Judge Mahaz Ali.

The judge’s May 8 blog post disagreed with the Attorney General’s (AG) advise on the ongoing leadership vacuum at the independent Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office.

JSC member Sheikh Shuaib Abdul Rahman said the commission had started discussions on whether to proceed with an investigation, but said a decision has not been made yet.

“I do not believe the commission should take up this matter. Article 41 of the Judges Act allows judges to engage in academic writing,” Shuaib said.

Clause 41 (a) of the Judges Act states judges may write essays and academic documents as long as they do not intend to politically benefit any party.

According to Shuaib, AG Mohamed Anil, who also sits on the JSC, had agreed with him on the matter.

In his legal opinion to President Abdulla Yameen, Anil last week said the senior most official at the PG office must takeover the PG’s constitutional obligations in the aftermath of acting PG Hussein Shameem’s resignation.

State prosecutors had stopped work at the time, bringing the criminal justice system to a halt.

Anil said prosecutors must resume work even in the absence of guidance by the PG, claiming the country was in a “state of necessity” where extra legal actions by the government could be deemed lawful.

However, Mahaz wrote that the state of necessity argument was valid only if there was no legal solution to the crisis, suggesting that there was no reason President Yameen could not propose a name for approval by the current People’s Majlis.

Yameen had said he would only submit a new nominee to the newly elected parliament, which is set to convene on May 28.

The current Majlis is in recess. It had rejected Yameen’s previous choice – his nephew Maumoon Hameed – for the position in March.

Mahaz said any criminal trials in the PG leadership’s absence is unconstitutional.

“A state of necessity is faced only when all legal avenues have been exhausted. In the current situation, the solution is to appoint a new prosecutor general. The current People’s Majlis is not in a situation where it cannot carry out its duties,” wrote the judge.

“The authority that must nominate a candidate [the President] is able to do so. Unless these two parties are in a state in which they cannot carry out their constitutional duties, a state of necessity will not be faced in the prosecutor general’s case.”

However, prosecutors were forced to end their strike on Tuesday following a Supreme Court ruling on the matter on Monday. The ruling upheld Anil’s state of necessity argument.

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State prosecutors push president for action on criminal justice crisis

State prosecutors today urged President Abdulla Yameen to bring an end to the criminal justice crisis caused by the leadership vacuum at the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office.

The ongoing work stoppage at the office has brought the criminal justice system to a halt and prosecutors have refused to attend court following acting PG Hussein Shameem’s resignation last week.

In a letter to the president, prosecutors called for the immediate appointment of a new PG, arguing “[J]ust because we are the PG office’s staff, we do not believe we are authorised to perform the constitutional obligations of the prosecutor general.”

Yameen had previously said he would only submit a new nominee for parliamentary approval when the newly elected People’s Majlis convenes on May 28.

The president’s previous choice for the role—his nephew Maumoon Hameed—failed to gain the required number of votes in parliament last month. In contrast to the current Majlis, pro-government parties will enjoy a health majority in the 18th Majlis.

In their letter, prosecutors disagreed with Attorney General Mohamed Anil’s advice that the most senior official at the office must now take over the PG’s responsibilities. Anil had justified his opinion claiming the country was in a “state of necessity”—a situation where extra-legal actions by state actors, designed to restore order, are deemed constitutional.

However, prosecutors said the state of necessity argument was not valid as long as the Majlis and the president were capable of performing their constitutional duties.

“If there is a state of necessity, the [state] must appoint a prosecutor general according to the law, instead of appointing a party, whose legal status will be questionable, to the job” the letter noted.

“We do not believe we can be forced to act outside established laws,” the prosecutors went on, claiming the constitution and the PG Act does not allow a third party to take over the PG’s responsibilities.

Questionable legal status

Quoting the PG Act, the prosecutors said the only party authorised to carry out the office’s responsibilities was the Deputy PG, while any other work can only be carried out to the extent stated by the leadership.

If a third party were to take over, there were no legal provisions to hold them accountable or ensure their work is impartial, they noted.

“The public must have the assurance that a third party will work without bias, and that accountability mechanisms are in place. This is because the PG’s work is directly connected to public rights,” the letter stated.

Prosecutors also stressed that there must be no question regarding the legal status of PG office representatives in the courtroom given the serious nature of criminal cases.

“Any case the prosecutor general files involves the legal rights of the defendant and their families. It further involves the rights of those who have been physically, psychologically, and financially harmed, victims of sexual and inhumane crimes, and rights of their families. It involves the public interest,” the letter said.

Although the Supreme Court has said criminal trials can continue in the absence of a PG, Druge Court Judge Mahaz Ali has said such trials would be unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, the Bar Association and the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have called for the immediate appointment of a prosecutor general through the current Majlis to end the crisis.

Shameem resigned on May 6 citing the Criminal Court’s “obstruction” of criminal justice.

In his resignation statement, he said he was unable to fulfill his duties due to the Criminal Court’s failure to prosecute foreigners involved in drug trafficking, delays in issuing rulings on drug related offenses, and “unreasonable obstacles” in filing cases at the court.

The President’s Office put out a third call for names this week, claiming the previous number of applicants had been low during the second call. Shameem had expressed interest in the position both times, while local media has speculated that a third call will allow Hameed to resubmit his application.

Office spokesman Ibrahim Muaz told Minivan News that there was, as yet, no official response to the letter sent by state prosecutors.

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Criminal cases in PG leadership absence unconstitutional, says Drug Court judge

Any trials of criminal cases in the absence of a prosecutor general (PG) and a deputy PG violates the constitution, Drug Court Judge Mahaz Ali has said.

Writing on his personal blog, Mahaz disagreed with the attorney general’s (AG) recent suggestion that the official in the senior most position at the PG office must take over the PG’s responsibilities.

AG Mohamed Anil claimed the country was in the midst of a “state of necessity” in the aftermath of acting PG Hussain Shameem’s resignation earlier this week.

The doctrine of necessity is the basis on which extra-legal actions by state actors, designed to restore order, are deemed constitutional.

Both the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Maldives Bar Association have also spoken out against the government’s stance on the matter.

State of necessity

Mahaz wrote that the state of necessity argument was valid only if there was no legal solution, suggesting that there was no reason President Abdulla Yameen could not propose a name for approval by the People’s Majlis.

“A state of necessity is faced only when all legal avenues have been exhausted. In the current situation, the solution is to appoint a new prosecutor general. The current People’s Majlis is not in a situation where it cannot carry out its duties,” wrote the judge.

“The authority that must nominate a candidate [the President] is able to do so. Unless these two parties are in a state in which they cannot carry out their constitutional duties, a state of necessity will not be faced in the prosecutor general’s case.”

Although Shameem has called on the executive and People’s Majlis to approve a PG immediately, President Yameen said he will only submit a new nominee to the newly elected house – set to convene on May 28.

After a drawn out nomination process, Yameen’s previous choice for the role – his nephew, Maumoon Hameed – failed to gain the required number of votes in parliament last month. In contrast to the previous session, pro-government parties will enjoy a healthy majority in the 18th Majlis.

Judge Mahaz argued that the Supreme Court order on 6 February – which ordered criminal courts to accept cases filed by the PG’s Office – did not provide a solution, only mentioning how to act in absence of a PG. The Supreme Court order was prompted by the Criminal Court’s January decision to refuse new cases until a new appointment was made.

Mahaz also referred to previous case law regarding the Attorney General’s Office, noting that no superior court had deemed similar instances to be ‘situations of necessity’ requiring the next in line to take charge of the office.

In July 2010, the eight Civil Court judges unanimously decided they would not proceed with civil cases in the absence of an AG following then-AG Husnu Suood’s resignation.

Violation of independence

The Bar Association of the Maldives has also joined the debate, arguing that the AG’s advise was inconsistent with the Prosecutor General Act, and that Shameem’s resignation had created a leadership vacuum.

The resignation of the deputy PG while the position of PG was vacant had left the office with no official who could now assume its legal responsibilities, the association said, arguing state prosecutors cannot represent the PG in the courts in the current situation.

“Given that the prosecutor general’s position is an independent and impartial position, this office believes the government’s exertion of influence by ordering state prosecutors to attend courts is a violation of the office’s independence,” the association said in a statement.

Despite the Prosecutor General’s Act requiring the appointment of a new PG within 30 days of the position’s vacancy, Shameem has headed the office for over five month’s following the resignation of his predecessor Ahmed Muiz in November.

The Criminal Court was forced to cancel more than 100 cases last week as state prosecutors refused to attend hearings, doubting their current legal capacity to represent the PG’s Office.

The Hithadhoo Court in Addu City is conducting criminal trials, however, and is issuing verdicts in the absence of a state prosecutor. Court officials told local media on Thursday that they did not accept the justification of absence put forth by lawyers from the PG’s Office.

In his resignation statement, Deputy PG Shameem had said he was unable to fulfill his duties due to the Criminal Court’s failure to prosecute foreigners involved in drug trafficking, delays in issuing rulings on drug related offenses, and “unreasonable obstacles” in filing cases at the court.

The President’s Office put out a third call for names this week, claiming the previous number of applicants had been low during the second call. Shameem had expressed interest in the position both times, while local media has speculated that a third call will allow Hameed to resubmit his application.

The MDP has also commented on the current situation, accusing President Yameen of nepotism:

“In contravention to principles of good governance in democratic countries, it is evident is more for the president in this current state to appoint his nephew or other relatives to the position of Prosecutor General.”

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114 criminal hearings cancelled as state prosecutors refuse to attend court for third day

The Criminal Court has cancelled hearings in 114 criminal cases as state prosecutors refused to attend trials for a third day.

State prosecutors claim they are now “in a legal void” in the absence of a Prosecutor General (PG) or a deputy PG. Former PG Ahmed Muizz resigned in November shortly ahead of a no confidence motion at parliament, while Deputy PG Hussein Shameem resigned on Monday citing the Criminal Court’s “obstruction” of criminal justice.

Attorney General Mohamed Anil has said Assistant Prosecutor General Ahmed Hameed Fahmy must take over the responsibilities of the PG.

The leadership vacuum at the PG office “halts the criminal justice system and endangers public peace,” Anil said in a six page legal opinion sent to President Abdulla Yameen. The PG office must continue with its responsibilities in order to uphold the rule of law, he added.

Meanwhile, the Hithadhoo Court in Addu City is conducting criminal trials and issuing verdicts in the absence of a state prosecutor. Court officials told local media that the court did not accept the justification of absence put forth by PG office lawyers.

President Abdulla Yameen called Deputy Prosecutor General Hussein Shameem’s resignation “irresponsible” and said criminal cases must proceed at the courts.

Although Shameem has called on the executive and People’s Majlis to approve a PG immediately, Yameen said he would only submit a new nominee to the newly elected 18th parliament which is set to convene on May 28.

Yameen’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) holds a majority in the new parliament. The current Majlis, dominated by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), had rejected Yameen’s nephew Maumoon Hameed for the position in March.

The President’s Office has put out a third call for applicants claiming the number of applicants had been low during the second call. Shameem had expressed interest in the position both times. Local media speculates a third call will allow Hameed to resubmit his application.

Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussain said criminal cases can continue even with the leadership vacuum at the PG.

“The Constitution does not recognize the post of a Deputy Prosecutor General. What the Constitution accepts is a Prosecutor General. About four months have passed since we last had a Prosecutor General. That issue has been already reviewed. The situation has not changed,” Faiz said, referring to a Supreme Court order on February 18.

The order was issued in response to the Criminal Court’s refusal in January to proceed with all criminal trials in the absence of a PG, and refusal to begin new trials in February.

The Criminal Court released a statement today announcing that it will abide by the Supreme Court order and continue conducting cases.

In a resignation statement, Shameem said he was unable to fulfill his duties due to the Criminal Court’s failure to prosecute foreigners involved in drug trafficking, delays in issuing rulings on drug related offenses and “unreasonable obstacles” in filing cases at the court.

“These issues obstruct the proper functioning of the criminal justice system. I am deeply saddened to note the extreme delay on the part of those who have the power to address these issues,” he said.

PG Office Spokesperson Hussain Nashid was not responding to calls at the time of press.

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Deputy PG resigns, slams Criminal Court’s “obstruction” of criminal justice

Deputy Prosecutor General Hussein Shameem has resigned today, slamming the Criminal Court’s obstruction of criminal justice.

In a resignation statement, Shameem highlighted the Criminal Court’s failure to prosecute foreigners involved in drug trafficking, delays in issuing rulings on drug related offenses and “unreasonable obstacles” in filing cases at the court.

“These issues obstruct the proper functioning of the criminal justice system. I am deeply saddened to note the extreme delay on the part of those who have the power to address these issues,” he said.

Former Prosecutor General (PG) Ahmed Muizz appointed Shameem to the position shortly before he resigned ahead of a no confidence motion in November 2013. Shameem had previously held the position from 2009 – 2012.

The deputy PG’s resignation effectively brings the criminal justice system to a halt. The vacancy in the PG Office leadership means the state can no longer raise criminal charges.

Shameem has called on President Abdulla Yameen and the People’s Majlis to appoint a new PG immediately. The 17th People’s Majlis is in recess until the newly elected 18th People’s Majlis take the oath of office in June. But extraordinary sessions can still be held.

Yameen had nominated his nephew Maumoon Hameed for the position in December, but the Majlis narrowly voted to reject Hameed in March.

At loggerheads

The Prosecutor General Act states a new PG must be appointed within 30 days of vacancy. However, Shameem noted five months have passed since Muizz’s resignation and noted “severe difficulties” in carrying out the PG office’s duties.

The Criminal Court and PG office have been at loggerheads since January, with the court announcing it would not proceed with any criminal charges until the Majlis appointed a new PG.

Shameem sought Supreme Court assistance in late January, claiming the lower court’s failure to accept cases lead to a backlog and violated the rights of those held in pre-trial detention.

On the Supreme Court’s orders, the Criminal Court in early February announced it would resume hearings in ongoing cases, but would not accept new cases.

Shameem successfully sought a second order from the Supreme Court, and said the Criminal Court’s actions had lead to a backlog of over 500 cases. With the new order in late February, the court formulated new procedures the PG office must follow in filing cases.

In April, Shameem said the Criminal Court had rejected over 30 percent of cases filed, including serious offenses related to drugs, corruption and sexual abuse of children.

Recently, the Criminal Court requested the PG office to resend case documents related to corruption allegations against Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed. The court claimed documents had been damaged in a coffee spill.

Shameem said he had notified President Abdulla Yameen, the People’s Majlis and the Supreme Court of the difficulties the PG office faces, but said, “to this day, no office has addressed any of the issues I have raised.”

The Criminal Court’s delays brings the effectiveness of a joint effort by the Maldives Police Service and PG office to expedite cases involving serious criminal offenses into question, Shameem said.

Judge Abdulla Mohamed, whose controversial detention in January 2012 triggered President Mohamed Nasheed’s ouster, heads the Criminal Court.

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Deputy PG slams Criminal Court over new regulations

The Criminal Court has usurped a Supreme Court power in issuing new regulations outlining procedures to be followed in submitting cases, Deputy Prosecutor General Hussein Shameem has said.

The Criminal Court today rejected 60 cases submitted by the Prosecutor General’s (PG) office, claiming cases did not fulfill criteria specified in regulations publicised on February 19.

However, Shameem said the Judicature Act only allows the Criminal Court to compile regulations administering internal affairs, and does not allow the court the authority to issue regulations governing external affairs.

It is the Judicial Council or the Supreme Court which has the power to issue such regulations, he said.

The Supreme Court abolished the Judicial Council in March 2011 claiming the council is unconstitutional and assumed its powers, including the power to compile regulations and policies on administration of the courts.

The Criminal Court’s regulations issued unilaterally also allows other courts to compile their own regulations, which may result in different procedures for each court and affects the right to equality guaranteed by the constitution, Shameem said.

“For example, the Criminal Court says cases involving serious crimes must be submitted within 45 days. What if the Maakurathu island court decides cases must be submitted in 15 or 60 days? This impacts the investigation process and means prosecutors must change procedures depending on which court they want to submit cases to,” he said.

The Criminal Court and PG’s office have been at odds over criminal proceedings following former PG Ahmed Muiz’s resignation in November.

The court suspended all ongoing cases and refused to accept new cases citing parliament’s failure to appoint a new PG within 30 days of Muizz’s resignation.

The Supreme Court, on Shameem’s request, ordered the Criminal Court to restart trials, but the court only began hearings in ongoing cases and refused to accept new cases.

The Supreme Court on February 18 released a new ruling ordering the court to continue with ongoing cases and accept new cases to ensure the criminal justice system continues.

Shameem said the Criminal Court’s new regulations had been applied retroactively.

“There are a 153 people in pre-trial detention. There are many others who are unable to find employment due to ongoing criminal cases. The Criminal Court’s actions are affecting a public service,” he said.

The PG office has a backlog of over 500 cases ready for prosecution, he added.

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives last week called on the People’s Majlis to expedite the appointment of a new PG, stating the delay violates the citizen’s right to justice.

In December, President Abdulla Yameen nominated his nephew Maumoon Hameed for the position. Parliament broke for recess at the end of the year, however, after having forwarded the nominee for vetting by the independent institutions committee.

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Criminal Court accepts cases from PG after second Supreme Court order

Read this article in Dhivehi

The Criminal Court has today started to accept new cases submitted by the Prosecutor General’s (PG) office after the Supreme Court issued a second ruling ordering the court to uphold the rule of law.

“It is essential that the criminal justice system proceeds as it has done to uphold the rule of law as per the constitution. Hence, we order the Criminal Court to continue trials in ongoing cases, to continue to rule on essential issues such as pre-trial detentions within the criminal justice system as before, and to accept cases submitted by the Prosecutor General’s Office,” the Supreme Court order read.

The Criminal Court in December suspended all ongoing cases and decided not to accept new cases filed by the PG office, claiming the court cannot proceed with trials in the absence of a PG.

Former PG Ahmed Muizz resigned from his post in November shortly before the parliament was due to vote on a no confidence motion.

The Supreme Court on deputy PG Hussein Shameem’s request ordered the Criminal Court to restart trials. The court began hearings in ongoing cases, but refused to accept new cases.

The lower court argued that the order had stated cases must be accepted as per regulations – which it suggested could be breached by beginning trials in the absence of a new PG.

With the new order, the Criminal Court subsequently accepted 20 new cases today.

Shameem has said the backlog of cases pending at the PG office has now reached 533 with the Criminal Court’s recent stance. This figure includes 196 cases of suspects in pre-trial detention.

Speaking to Minivan News today, Shameem said it would now take over a month to clear the backlog.

“We will together work with the Criminal Court and hope for greater cooperation in the future,” he said.

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives on Monday called on the People’s Majlis to expedite the appointment of a new PG, stating the delay violates the citizen’s right to justice.

In December, President Abdulla Yameen nominated his nephew Maumoon Hameed for the position. Parliament broke for recess at the end of the year, however, after having forwarded the nominee for vetting by the independent institutions committee.

The Supreme Court is at present holding trial over the Elections Commission (EC) claiming the commission has disobeyed the court’s orders by dissolving political parties.

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