High Court Rules Against Detention Review for Appellants Awaiting Trial

The Maldives High Court ruled that detainees awaiting trial in appeal cases cannot have their detention status reviewed. The decision came in the case of Ali Nifaz, who was initially acquitted for the murder of Nadeem Abdul Raheem in July 2017, but later detained upon appeal. The court applied Article 199(b) of the Penal Code, rejecting the prosecution's request for a custody review under Article 60(i), which mandates a 30-day review period. The ruling clarified that such detainees are eligible for bail application instead. This verdict occurs amid the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) advocacy for legal reforms to address indefinite detention and trial delays. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has committed to law reform, including establishing an Office for Civil Rights and abolishing the 'Vaanuvaa' practice, aiming to improve judicial efficiency and civil liberties.

The Maldives High Court ruled that detainees awaiting trial in appeal cases cannot have their detention status reviewed. The decision came in the case of Ali Nifaz, who was initially acquitted for the murder of Nadeem Abdul Raheem in July 2017, but later detained upon appeal. The court applied Article 199(b) of the Penal Code, rejecting the prosecution's request for a custody review under Article 60(i), which mandates a 30-day review period. The ruling clarified that such detainees are eligible for bail application instead. This verdict occurs amid the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) advocacy for legal reforms to address indefinite detention and trial delays. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has committed to law reform, including establishing an Office for Civil Rights and abolishing the 'Vaanuvaa' practice, aiming to improve judicial efficiency and civil liberties.

The Maldives High Court ruled that detainees awaiting trial in appeal cases cannot have their detention status reviewed. The decision came in the case of Ali Nifaz, who was initially acquitted for the murder of Nadeem Abdul Raheem in July 2017, but later detained upon appeal. The court applied Article 199(b) of the Penal Code, rejecting the prosecution's request for a custody review under Article 60(i), which mandates a 30-day review period. The ruling clarified that such detainees are eligible for bail application instead. This verdict occurs amid the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) advocacy for legal reforms to address indefinite detention and trial delays. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has committed to law reform, including establishing an Office for Civil Rights and abolishing the 'Vaanuvaa' practice, aiming to improve judicial efficiency and civil liberties.

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