Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department on Saturday announced it has activated the “Remote Trial System” in the criminal courts by using the Visual Communication Technology (VCT) and linking the public prosecution and criminal courts to penal and correctional facilities.

The move comes as part of the department’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of litigation and ensure the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

Counsellor Yousuf Saeed Al Abri, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, ADJD, stressed the importance of implementing the “Remote Trial System” to facilitate and simplify litigation procedures as part of the continuous development efforts of all judicial services.

The move also comes in line with the directives of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, to work continuously to modernise and keep pace with the digital transformation to contribute effectively to the realisation of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 by enhancing the efficiency of litigation and achieve a comprehensive judicial system.

Al Abri noted that the activation of the remote trial system through video-conferencing techniques enhances the quality of judicial services provided in accordance with the highest international standards and this will expedite the adjudication of cases and ensure the quality of judicial decisions by simplifying procedures for all litigants in line with the legislation and legal procedures followed.

Judge Al Awadi Al Muhri, President of the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court, said that the new trial system is implemented in Abu Dhabi Criminal Court and the Court of Misdemeanours. The hearings are broadcast live, allowing the defendant to be tried at the premises of penal establishments via video screens and then the final decision in the case will be issued.

He pointed out that implementing the new trial system is based on Federal Law No 5 of 2017 on the use of Remote Communication Technology in criminal proceedings, which stipulates that a competent authority should use this technique in criminal proceedings with the accused, victim, witness, lawyer, expert, translator, plaintiff or defendant.