Crime

New rules restrict lawyer-client meetings

Lawyers must present a consent letter from the detainee’s family for police to arrange the meeting, which must be concluded within 30 minutes, according to a circular issued Saturday by the custodial department head.

Published

6 years ago

March 11, 2018

New rules have been introduced for suspects in police custody to meet with lawyers amid the ongoing state of emergency, reports local media.

Lawyers must present a consent letter from the detainee’s family for police to arrange the meeting, which must be concluded within 30 minutes, according to an announcement Saturday by the custodial department head.

Official meeting hours have also been shortened to 9 am to 5 pm.

The new procedures prompted complaints from lawyers, with some accusing police of deliberate obstruction.

Dozens of people have been detained since President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency last month after a Supreme Court order for the release of nine prisoners.