The state had appointed the most number of lawyers to minors, according to statistics released by the Attorney General's Office (AGO).
The state appoints legal defence for those incapable of appointing one for themselves. AGO said within the last eight months, minors were the group the office had appointed most lawyers for.
As per statistics released on Thursday, the state had appointed lawyers for 140 individuals until the end of August. Seventy-four lawyers had been appointed for individuals under the age of 18.
The statistics also show out of the 64 lawyers appointed for adults, 31 were appointed for people between ages 31 and 50. Twenty-eight lawyers were appointed for people between 18 and 30 while seven lawyers were appointed for people above the age of 51.
AGO statistics show that most minors required lawyers for accusations related to drugs. Cases related to violence were the second most common reason minors required lawyers.
Child rights activists have expressed concern over the statistics showing the increase in crime relating to children.
However, Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem had said the increase may not be a reflection of an increase in crime amongst children. He said the increase may be due to the fact that the state is doing its duty as required by law to ensure everyone has a legal defence.
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