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Pres ratifies amendment to delay criminal procedure code

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom Thursday ratified an amendment to effectively postpone the enforcement of the new criminal procedure code in the Maldives.

The amendment proposed by a government lawmaker was passed by 42 votes during Monday's parliament sitting.

The landmark Act passed by the parliament in April codifies in detail the rules to investigate, prosecute and pass judgment on suspected criminal offenders.

The Act was slated to come into effect in January, but the amendment has sought to put off the date to July.

North Fuvahmulah MP Ali Shaah who proposed the amendment had argued that the relevant state authorities need more time to train staff before the Act comes into effect.

The Act identifies terrorism, murder, manslaughter, causing grievous bodily harm, gang violence, terrorism, crimes against minors, drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption and human trafficking as major criminal offences.

It lays out specific rules for law enforcement agencies and the courts with suspects and convicts, from filing a complaint, to investigations, pressing charges, trial, conviction, request for clemency and filing an appeal.

The details include the process of waiving the right to legal counsel, and special investigative procedures for disabled people.