Speaker must take responsibility for halt in criminal justice system: Suood

President of the Maldives Bar Association, prominent lawyer and former Attorney General Husnu Al Suood has said that Speaker of the Parliament has to take responsibility for the halt in the criminal justice system, following the resignation of Deputy Prosecutor General on Monday.

Prosecutor General’s Act states that a new person must be appointed to the Prosecutor General’s post within 30 days from the day the post becomes vacant. However, Deputy Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem, who resigned Monday afternoon, has been heading the Prosecutor General’s Office since the departure of PG Ahmed Muizzu on 25 November last year.

“The PG vacancy has to be filled by appointing a new PG within 30 days by parliament. I believe that Speaker of the Parliament has to take full responsibility. Parliament session must not have ended during a situation like this,” Suood said today.

“Deputy PG is appointed by the PG. Deputy PG has to take over the responsibilities of the PG in his absence. The lack of a Deputy PG has brought the criminal justice system to a halt. Appointing a PG is the parliament’s responsibility,” Suood said, expressing concern over a way forward.

Parliament Committee on Independent Institution has requested the Speaker Abdulla Shahid to recall parliament to address the issue. Parliament held its last session for the 17th parliament on 28 April. A new parliament is expected to take oath later this month.