Swedish Chief Judge explains the judiciary process of Malaysian couple

With the case of the Malaysian couple, Azizul Raheem Awaluddin and Shalwati Nurshal, detained by the Swedish authorities for allegedly abusing their children being in the media highlight, attention has been given to the judiciary process in Sweden, which may not be something that is familiar for many Malaysians.

Many have been wondering why the couple have been detained under remand for more than a month with nothing substantial happening with the case. And all this while, their four children have been separated from them and under foster care.

Azizul and Shalwati’s detention has to be renewed or extended every 14 days, and January 30, 2014 is the date that the couple’s hearing is scheduled for. Speaking to Astro AWANI, Mari Heidenborg, Chief Judge of the Solna District Court, explains the intricacies of the proceeding.

One of differences between Sweden and Malaysia is the remand period. While Malaysia has a maximum limit of 14 days under remand until a charge has to be done, Sweden has no limit. However, it is unusual for a case like this to have a remand period of longer than a month or two.

Depending on the evidence collected, the prosecutor of the case can charge the couple anytime between now right before the date of the hearing after 14 days.

And the defence lawyer can respond either by submitting to the prosecutor’s request for the extension or contest it.

Whether their detention is to be extended, or if they are to be charged, or even if they are to be released, the fate of Azizul and Shalwati will only be known this Thursday.