VP Faisal: Criminal justice sector stakeholders need to adapt to evolving criminal tactics

Vice President Faisal Naseem, on Wednesday, urged all stakeholders in the criminal justice sector to proactively adapt to new methods and technologies to address the evolving criminal tactics.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Criminal Justice Sector High-Level Conference on Wednesday at Hotel Jen – he stressed that criminals constantly evolve and adapt their methods to exploit new technologies, circumvent security measures, and take advantage of emerging trends.

Therewith, he underscored the adoption of a proactive and multi-faceted approach by the criminal justice sector, including modernization, collaboration and partnerships, training and education, and capacity building were required to address the evolving tactics of criminals.

VP Faisal noted that the Maldives' criminal justice system faces various challenges, including the unique remoteness and geography prevalent in the country. He underscored efforts by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the administration to enhance and strengthen the criminal justice sector.

He also addressed the fundamental right of every citizen to a fair trial, particularly emphasizing the importance of ensuring a trial is free from any form of discrimination. On this note, he detailed that the 2004 constitutional reforms aimed to promote the independent administration of criminal justice procedures as one of its primary objectives.

During the event, VP Faisal also officially launched the Criminal Justice Database aimed at more efficient data sharing among the stakeholders in the criminal justice sector, improving data practices, increasing transparency and accuracy, and promoting efficiency, enabling the community to serve better and protect the rights of every individual.

The criminal justice database developed under the ‘Evidence-based Management and Decision Making in Criminal Justice Sector’ – a project carried out with financial assistance from the Australian government and technical expertise from UNICEF and Maldives Bureau of Statistics – was led by the Prosecutor General’s Office.