The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

Maldives Police Service fined for contempt

Lamya Abdulla
01 July 2021, MVT 12:53
Criminal Court: Police Service was fined yesterday during a hearing regarding drugs -- Photo: Mihaaru file
Lamya Abdulla
01 July 2021, MVT 12:53

The Police Service of Maldives have been fined 3,000 Rufiyaa for contempt of court after an officer left an ongoing hearing without the permission of the judge.

The police officer was fined in a hearing held yesterday, during a hearing in the Criminal Court to extend the remand of a person arrested on accusations relating to possession, use and trafficking drugs.

When Judge Dheebaanaazu Fahumee noticed one of the police officers chewing something while the session in progress. The judge asked the officer to leave and come back as eating is not allowed in ongoing trials.

He complied with the judge's request and returned. However, he left the hearing again without asking the judge for permission. It is unclear why he left the trial the second time.

When the police officer returned, the judge decided that leaving the session without permission was in contempt of court and fined the Police Service 3,000 Rufiyaa.

Any offences that can be considered as disrespecting the court can be punishable by as much as 15 days in jail, or one month in house arrest. The presiding judge can also choose to fine up to 10,000 Rufiyaa as well.

Before each hearing starts, court officials make an announcement informing attendants that this is a punishable offence.

Share this story

Related Stories

Discuss

MORE ON NEWS