Magistrates complain over lack of state prosecutors in atolls to PG

Chief magistrates of atoll courts have voiced complaints to Prosecutor General Aishath Bishaam over difficulties they face due to lack of state prosecutors in atolls.

The complaints were made during a session with Bisham during Judges symposium – which started Thursday morning.

Most of the complaints were over delays and delays faced due to lack of state prosecutors in atolls.

During the session, Chief Magistrate of L. Atoll, Ali Shareef said that they faced huge difficulties due to lack of state prosecutors available. He also requested that state prosecutors inform the court before arriving to handle cases.

Magistrates discussing issues during the symposium on May 12, 2016. Sun photo: Mohamed Afrah

“The biggest purpose of judiciary is to quickly settle issues. As the speed of our work is affected due to lack of state prosecutors available in atolls, I propose that there be at least two state prosecutors stationed. And to make arrangements so cases in atolls are sent as soon as possible to the courts,” said Shareef.

R. Atoll Chief Magistrate noted that Bishaam had talked of establishing a branch of PG office during her visit to R. Atoll three months back. He asked how much of a priority she gave to establishing branches of PG office in the atolls.

He said that some of the people charged with offenses worked out of their island to earn money, and that having to change the schedule upon requests of lawyers after they were summoned to court for a specific day was also a great problem.

Magistrates discussing issues during the symposium on May 12, 2016. Sun photo: Mohamed Afrah

All magistrates, except for magistrates from K. and A. A. Atoll complained that lack of state prosecutors was creating a problem.

Bishaam said that PG office planned to have two or three state prosecutors stationed in every atoll.

She said that branches of PG office had been established in seven atolls. And they were working on establishing branches in the rest of the atolls as well – but were faced with budget constraints.

PG Aishath Bisam speaking during the symposium on May 12, 2016. Sun photo: Mohamed Afrah

“We envision having at least three attorneys stationed in each of our branches. Even as I may this, you, yourself must realize that we face budget constraints. Because of these budget constraints, there are delays in work we want to undertake,” said Bisaam.

She said that they were also considering building accommodation for PG office in certain regions if they were unable to establish a PG office branch in each atoll. And that it would provide accommodate prosecutors who go to islands for cases that take three to four months.

She also said that magistrates did not have to accommodate prosecutors’ requests to change the schedule. She said that they had not faced any such issue before. And would put a stop to it if it was happening.

Issues were brought up and discussed by both Bisaam and magistrates.

The one-day symposium will end Thursday evening.