The Federal Court will consider applications from seven individuals convicted of serious crimes as minors, challenging their indefinite detention. These prisoners, now adults, are requesting a review of sentences that ordered their detention at the pleasure of the Ruler.
Their legal counsel argues that recent legislative changes abolishing mandatory death penalties and life imprisonment render their indefinite detention unconstitutional. They contend this violates their rights to liberty and equality. The applicants were originally convicted for offenses including murder and drug trafficking committed during their teenage years.
The hearing will determine if the court will grant leave for a full review under its inherent powers. The prisoners assert that a significant miscarriage of justice has occurred due to the evolved legal landscape, leaving them with no other remedy.
Their legal counsel argues that recent legislative changes abolishing mandatory death penalties and life imprisonment render their indefinite detention unconstitutional. They contend this violates their rights to liberty and equality. The applicants were originally convicted for offenses including murder and drug trafficking committed during their teenage years.
The hearing will determine if the court will grant leave for a full review under its inherent powers. The prisoners assert that a significant miscarriage of justice has occurred due to the evolved legal landscape, leaving them with no other remedy.
