Special courts being considered to handle gang-related cases

 

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says discussions have started on establishing special courts dedicated to handling cases under the anti-gang legislation. 

 

He was responding to a statement by National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang about the growing number of suspects being brought before the courts on gang-related charges.  

 

In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, Dr. Chang disclosed that the Police High Command was making significant progress in its efforts to dismantle gangs.

 

He said 159 known gang members have been arrested since January this year, with some 34 of them charged with offences including murder, firearm breaches and lottery scamming. Additionally, he disclosed that 15 alleged gangsters have been charged under the anti-gang legislation. Ten gang-related cases have been before the courts, with 90 alleged gangsters still facing the legal system. 

 

Noting the increase in gang cases, Dr. Chang acknowledged the call from the Chief Justice for special courts to try gang members.

 

"We are bringing more gang cases and they demand a lot of space and time, and the courts are required to have that space. Plus, it does provide a risk in the court when you have hardened gunmen coming to an open space. It's difficult to manage," he admitted, noting that gang courts are specially designed to deal with gangsters.  

 

"We don't expect to have them forever. We'll disrupt them, dismantle them, lock them up, and when they finish, we use the court for regular activity," said Dr. Chang.