The newly appointed Prosecutor General (PG) Hussain Shameem has revealed he is considering the development of a sound Plea bargain system to divert the administration focus on bigger issues at courts. Even if the shift requires amendments to relevant laws, the focus must be shifted towards bigger and serious cases at courts, said PG Shameem, discussing his vision as the prosecutor general on a programme aired on PSM news.
Explaining that the current system lessens the time courts can spend on murder and corruption cases, he stressed the importance of a plea bargain to attend to smaller cases at courts.
A plea bargain is an arrangement between the prosecutor and defendant whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or an agreement to drop other charges. Plea bargain systems have been introduced in the most developed nations as well.
Speaking more on the matter, PG Shameem stated about 70% of cases at courts are related to abuse of drugs and while these need time and energy of the prosecutors, serious cases that need time is not emphasised. The introduction of a plea bargain system will allow prosecutors to close such small cases faster and focus on the real issues, he explained. He assured to work with the Attorney General to introduce a sound plea bargain system once the parliament resumes its sessions.
Discussing the efforts of Prosecutor General’s Office to ensure efficiency, Shameem said the office is planning to schedule work, and aware staff on relevant laws in addition to increasing stake holder relations. He also intends to establish a service culture in the office.