Special panel to handle human trafficking cases

In a move to combat human trafficking crimes in the UAE, Dubai Criminal Court has formed a three-judge permanent panel to handle such cases.

Chief Judge Ahmad Ebrahim Saif, Head of Dubai Criminal Courts, said: "This is the first jury of its kind that specialises in human trafficking crimes. The panel will help speed up the litigation proceedings without prejudice to the rights of suspects in defending themselves."

Judge Saif said the decision was reached in coordination with Chancellor Khalifa bin Deemas, Prosecutor General and Head of Dubai Attorney General's Technical Office.

"According to the anti-human trafficking law, the guilty can be awarded even capital punishment. Therefore, this new panel will create an opportunity to suspects and victims for fair and swift trial by fast-track implementation of law enforcement procedures. The jury will assign a lawyer to defend the suspects and hear the victim's statements since the first hearing. Earlier the juries used to level the suspects' charges at the first hearing, then adjourn the case for a second hearing  until a defence lawyer is appointed. Thereafter, a third adjournment would follow to hear the victims. The whole process would consume upto three months and more. The new panel will shorten the time taken," said Judge Saif.

Judge Fahmi Mounir Fahmi will chair the panel that includes Dr Ali Al Galadari and Mansour Al Awadhi as deputy judges.

"Fourteen human trafficking cases have been referred to court so far this year," he added.
 

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