Judge Stresses Need for Witness Safety in Criminal Cases

Criminal Court Judge Ali Adam has highlighted the reluctance of witnesses to testify and called for stronger measures to ensure their safety. Speaking during the sentencing of Hamdhoon Hamzath, who was given the death penalty for the murder of Ibrahim Agil, Judge Adam emphasized that investigative agencies and relevant institutions must prioritize the protection of witnesses. He noted that many individuals listed as secret witnesses by the prosecution were unwilling to come forward in court. The Prosecutor General's office had sought to issue summons to these witnesses, but the court expressed concerns that this could compromise their anonymity. Judge Adam stressed that mere incarceration of the accused does not guarantee witness safety and called for a more robust system to safeguard confidential witnesses and ensure their security.