Gulhifalhu Case Update: Hearing to be Repeated Due to Irretrievable Testimonial Files
Photo: Miveshi
Environmental activist Humaida A Ghafoor, who filed a civil case against the government to stop the Gulhifalhu Port Development Project, reported that the case’s fourth hearing of the case is set to be repeated due to witness statement recording files being corrupted.
28 October 2023 – Update
4th Civil Court Hearing To Be Repeated
7 months later, we learn that the witness statement recording files at the Civil Court are "corrupted" and irretrievable for transcription#StopGulhifalhuEcocide #DhivehiMiveshi#Miveshi https://t.co/FoHIgKH9xk— Miveshi for the Environment (@miveshi) October 28, 2023advertisement
The case was submitted to the Civil Court of Maldives in September 2021, with the last hearing held in March this year.
“Seven months later, we learn that the witness statement recording files at the Civil Court are “corrupted” and irretrievable for transcription,” tweeted Miveshi, the website by Humaida.
Following persistent inquiries made during August and September about the progress in transcribing witness statements, the court assured that arrangements would be made for the signing of these statements.
However, the process faced considerable delays, prompting a formal letter of concern to the court in September.
The order issued by the Civil Court on 19 October 2023 revealed a concerning development. The witness statement recording files dated 13 March 2023 were found to be corrupted, rendering them irretrievable for transcription. Consequently, a directive was issued for a new date to present witnesses for a repeat hearing.
While there are indications from the court suggesting a potential repeat witness hearing in November 2023, clarity on this matter awaits written confirmation from the Civil Court.
“It is our intention to submit our deep concerns about the procedural weaknesses experienced at the courts in this case to the oversight authorities of the courts and judicial system in the Maldives,” read a statement on the Miveshi website.
The petition by Humaida argues that the dredging works under the Gulhifalhu project are set to have irreversible environmental damage.
