The Prosecutor General (PG)’s Office has received over 500 requests to review charges and the detention of suspects and defendants.

On October 1, newly appointed Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef opened a 20-day period for individuals to request a review of charges filed in court, as well as the detention of those arrested or remanded. By the deadline, the PGO had received 539 requests, a spokesperson told Sun on Sunday. The office will now begin reviewing these requests to reach a decision.

In his first media appearance after taking office on August 18, Abbas announced that each request would be individually assessed by a dedicated team, including PGO officials. He assured that any changes to prior decisions would be justified, and applicants would receive explanations for any decisions to uphold previous rulings.

During an October 1 press briefing, Abbas emphasised that the PGO would not initiate reviews of past cases independently. However, he clarified that if requests were submitted, the PGO would consider reviewing decisions related to charges filed against former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and the dismissal of a sexual assault case involving former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed.