OTJ extends transitional justice case submission deadline

Ombudspersons | Photo: Adhadhu

Malé, Maldives – The Ombudsperson’s Office for Transitional Justice (OTJ) has announced today that the office has extended the deadline for submission of transitional justice cases until 00:00 tonight.

While previously the deadline for case submissions at the OTJ was for today, the office extended the deadline due to an unprecedented number of cases being submitted.

The office is open for the public to present any issue that goes against basic human rights and freedom regarding a government institution, a superior member of the government institution or even an employee.

If any individual wishes to report a complaint or receive compensation, then they are advised to fill the forms available at Transitional Justice website or at the Office and submit the relevant forms either to the counter or email to complaints@otj.gov.mv.

The Office is to complete cases lodged within 2 years of the date of filing.

Protocols are set in place for public hearings for Transitional Justice cases, with priority given to older cases and cases with crimes against humanity. The plaintiff may also request a public hearing.

The Office of Ombudsperson was established following the ratification of the Transitional Justice Act (Act number:28/2020). The establishment of the Office of Ombudsperson for Transitional Justice is mandated under section 4A of this Act. The Act sanctions investigations into past wrongdoings by state authorities, heads of agencies, or individuals in power, which resulted in human rights violations.