Criminal Court Judge Ali Adam has said that witnesses are reluctant to testify and the safety of witnesses should be guaranteed.

In sentencing Hamdhoon Hamzath to death over the murder of Ibrahim Agil, the judge said investigating agencies and relevant institutions should ensure the safety of witnesses.

“Investigative agencies and relevant institutions should ensure that witnesses are fully protected in such cases,” Ali Adam said.

He said the prosecution had submitted many people as secret witnesses, but most of them were reluctant to testify in court.

The Prosecutor General's (PG) office wanted to send summons to the secret witnesses, but the court believes it could reveal their identities.

"The fact that the accused is behind bars does not guarantee the safety of witnesses. When witnesses are presented as secret witnesses, there should be a stronger system in place to maintain that confidentiality. Witnesses should be guaranteed safety," the judge said.