President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Tuesday decided to submit for the parliament's approval on signing the "Treaty between the Republic of Maldives and the Republic of India on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters”.
According to President's Office, the cabinet advised on signing the treaty during a meeting with President Solih. The treaty can only be signed with the parliament's approval.
Under the treaty, members would facilitate measures of mutual assistance in the service of summons, execution of warrants and other judicial documents and commissions, in accordance with the treaty and subject to the domestic laws of participating States.
This treaty would improve effectiveness in prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime, including crime related to terrorism between participating countries. This would also aid in obtaining evidence and broaden the opportunity to interrogate those in question.
Additionally, the scope of the treaty extends to restraints forfeiture or confiscation of funds meant for financing of terrorism as also the proceeds and instruments of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters in both countries.
Central Authorities stated in the treaty is required to transmit and receive all requests made under the treaty. As per the “Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act” (Act No. 2/2015) of the Maldives, the Central Authority for the Maldives is the Prosecutor General’s Office.
In addition to India, the government is also in discussions with Sri Lanka, UAE, and Russia, in pursuing similar treaties.
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