Criminal Court of the Maldives has revealed trials of 34 different cases were conducted during the lockdown imposed in the Greater Male' Region.
The Criminal Court suspended courtroom trials after a lockdown was announced in the Greater Male' Region on April 15. The court began conducting trials via videoconferencing, with the defendant, attorneys and other essential participants of the trial in virtual attendance.
The statistics of the Criminal Court indicate trials of 34 cases were conducted during the lockdown period, while 9 cases reached conclusion. The court also revealed 940 hearings were conducted during the lockdown to make a decision on the remand of individuals arrested on suspicion of a crime. The court issued 97 arrest warrants upon the request of investigative authorities, while 115 new cases were accepted by the court during the period.
The Criminal Court stated individuals remanded at Maafushi Prison are taken to the Maafushi Magistrate Court to attend the virtual hearing. However, the court said the hearings involving those in Male' Prison have not been conducted during the period due to the lockdown.
The Criminal Court said all administrative work of the court is carried out by staff working from home. The court also noted the submission of documents has been carried out online during the lockdown period.