In his weekly radio address on Friday, President Mohamed Nasheed has said an administrative decision by a court not to enforce the Regulation on Criminal Procedures is infringing on people’s basic rights.

The decision was also obstructing the administration of a lawful state, added the President.

The Regulation on Criminal Procedures, empowered under Act on General Regulations enacted on 5 August 2008, explains the rules to be followed in investigation, prosecution and court proceedings.

The President said while the Regulation provides for speedy investigation, prosecution and trials, none of the concerned authorities implemented it.

President Nasheed said: “While all State institutions must comply with laws passed by the People’s Majlis, a court decision not to apply the Regulation on Criminal Procedures will obstruct administration of a lawful State and leave laws powerless.

“It will also make people lose confidence in the criminal justice system, and obstruct administering justice.”

He said he was taking up the issues as two senior officials of the previous government were being tried for criminal charges.

“They must get their constitutional rights, and their honour must not be affected before proven guilty.

“Every individual accused of an offence must get these rights,” said the President.

2010 Budget

In the weekly radio address, recorded before leaving for Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting where he will push for action on climate change, the President also spoke on the 2010 budget.

He emphasized that the 2010 budget, which has been submitted to the People’s Majlis last week, was very different from the budgets in the previous years.

“One of the main goals of the budget is to prevent prices of goods and services going up. The budget will boost economic prosperity, development, and lower prices of goods and services,” he said.

The President said that within the first three to four months of the next year, the difference resulting from the budget could be felt.

International Day for the Elimination Violence against Women

In the radio address, the President also spoke on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is a UN-led initiative being marked on the 25th of November.

The President commended the People’s Majlis for the resolution they signed on Tuesday, supporting the elimination of violence against women.

He said while it might be difficult to acknowledge the prevalence of domestic violence in the country, a survey conducted in 2006 revealed that about 27,000 women in the country faced domestic violence.

The President said the situation was a matter of grave concern and sadness for him.

He appealed to women not to hide cases of violence against them.

The President promised that the government would take all possible steps to address the matter.