ABU DHABI // A draft law that allows courts to use video conference technology when questioning juveniles, witnesses and experts was passed by the Federal National Council on Tuesday.
The law aims to facilitate trial procedures when it is inconvenient for the involved parties to attend a hearing. Juveniles and children are expected to benefit most.
It also allows prosecutors to carry out investigations through conference calls instead of having to carry around case files. The draft law also includes cooperation with other countries.
Ahmad Al Khateri, chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Courts, said he expects the number of cases a court is capable of ruling on in a certain period to double under the new law.
“Those involved in lawsuits will benefit and so will judicial authorities, it will provide capacity to receive more cases regardless of number and open the door for more legislative steps to follow.
“It will save time and effort. We are in an emirate that is scattered from south to north, requires more than three hours of driving to get from one point to the other.”
It will also provide privacy to parties involved in penal cases and a more secure way to communicate with prisoners involved in sensitive cases, such as terrorism or those suffering from contagious diseases.
Mr Al Khateri said children would be the biggest beneficiaries of this initiative.
“There are a number of disadvantages in bringing this age group to court; when you grow up this remains in your history as a black point. It causes psychological trauma every time they are reminded of it.”
The law adds to previous initiatives carried out by the government to ensure child welfare, such as issuing the child protection law.
Mr Al Khateri cited Bahrain, which has already introduced this feature, as an example of how successful it could be.
“It is also being used in Dubai International Financial Centre’s courts, which involves commercial disputes. They process through video conference and the hearings are recorded.
“So I believe it is very necessary that the UAE legislator started noticing the obstacles in judicial procedures.”
He said the country’s courts are already equipped to begin using video links once the law comes into effect.
hdajani@thenational.ae
