Investigators have their hands tied in interpreting the Constitution: Deputy President

Deputy President Dr. Muhammad Jameel Ahmad has said that the hands of investigation officers are tied, in the process of interpreting the Constitution.

In his address as the guest of honor at a conference begun this morning at Traders Hotel on Strengthening the Criminal Justice System of the Maldives, the Deputy President said that powers of law enforcement officers involved in investigation have been narrowed down too much at various stages of interpreting the Constitution.

Dr. Jameel expressed concern over the fact that accused persons involved in serious and organized crime escape at various stages of investigation and prosecution.

He pointed out the right to have a lawyer in criminal cases ensured by Article 48 of the Constitution and noted how the provision is interpreted too literally so that justice is often inhibited, and said that the Conference which began today is a significant platform to identify such issues and consider what could bring solutions.

Dr. Jameel noted the importance of creating and sustaining a society protected from crime. He said that while many changes that the people had hoped for have come to the legal system of the country, many parties responsible for the realization and implementation of those changes in a fruitful manner had been negligent in their duties.

“The changes we brought to our legal system are very good. They are very complete. However, they have not been implemented in a very good manner. In completing the desired results of those changes, many have been negligent, and the society is becoming frustrated as a result. The people have begun questioning about the reliability of laws and the protection that should be guaranteed by a judicial system”, said Dr. Jameel.

The Deputy President called the People’s Majlis, investigators, and all parties involved in law enforcement to cooperate and work for a society that is secure and safe for the people who are members of it.