National Integrity Commission Clears 2018-2022 Case Backlog to Fast-Track Justice

The National Integrity Commission (NIC) has successfully resolved a substantial backlog of cases dating back to 2018, signaling a major shift in the independent body's operational efficiency. The commission now aims to conclude all remaining pending matters from 2023 and 2024 by the end of this year. As the primary oversight body for law enforcement, the NIC is tasked with investigating procedural violations and human rights abuses within the Maldives Police Service, Customs Service, Immigration, and Correctional Service. However, the agency admitted that historical delays had previously hindered its ability to achieve optimal outcomes for complainants. Speaking on the PSM News program 'Raajje Miadhu,' NIC Vice President Fathimath Shareef revealed that cases spanning from 2018 through 2022 were officially closed at the start of this month. She noted that the stagnation was primarily driven by high employee turnover and the operational disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. "The extended duration of these pending cases makes it exceptionally difficult to achieve optimal outcomes," Shareef remarked. She emphasized that the commission's long-term objective is to implement a system where no case remains pending for more than six months. Secretary General Nafha Hussain further explained that the pandemic forced a profound shift in working methodologies, which contributed significantly to the accumulation of cases. The disruption in standard procedures created a bottleneck that the commission has spent the last year working to dismantle. In a positive development, officials noted that the commission is now receiving comprehensive cooperation from the four key law enforcement departments. This improved collaboration between the NIC and the police, customs, corrections, and immigration services is expected to prevent future backlogs and ensure more timely accountability for personnel within the security sector.