A seminar was held to mark the 20th anniversary of the drafting of the Maldives' Penal Code.

Organized jointly by the Maldives Law Institute and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the seminar was held under the theme "The Penal Code at Twenty: Prospects, Progress and Challenges."

Former Attorney General Hassan Saeed delivered the opening address, reflecting on the legal reform process that led to the drafting of the Penal Code. He outlined the circumstances that prompted the reform effort and shared his experiences from the drafting process.

Hassan said the Maldives has made significant progress since the work began two decades ago, but noted that important challenges remain.

He identified the development of skilled professionals as one of the country's biggest challenges, saying institutions require competent individuals to function effectively.

"The biggest problem in the Maldives is the lack of trained and competent people," he said, adding that capable officials are less likely to misuse their positions.

The seminar examined the drafting of the Penal Code, its implementation and the legal developments that have taken place since it came into force.

Discussions also covered the lengthy legislative process that led to the law's passage, the challenges encountered during implementation, attempts to repeal the law during its first year in force, and the reasons behind subsequent amendments and their impact on the justice system.

Among the speakers was Adnan A. Zulfiqar, Associate Professor of Law at Boston College Law School, who shared his experience of helping draft the Penal Code. Zulfiqar was a member of the University of Pennsylvania team that prepared the legislation in 2005.

Former Attorney General Husnu Suood and former Prosecutors General Ahmed Muizzu and Hussain Shameem were also scheduled to address the seminar.