- January 29, 2026
- Posted by: Hardy
- Categories: Dispute Resolution, Legal Insights
The Enforcement of Law No. 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code (“New Criminal Procedure Code”) introduces specific provisions that establish a foundation for protecting elderly persons in the criminal justice process. Article 148 formally acknowledges that an elderly person can hold the status of a Suspect, Defendant, Convict, Witness, or Victim.
This clear regulation signifies important progress, as the previous criminal procedure code did not include similar provisions, thereby ensuring that their presence and needs are now legally recognised.
In addition to the general rights applicable to everyone in legal proceedings, Article 148 mandates three special protections for elderly persons, namely:
- Special services, facilities, and infrastructure appropriate to their physical and psychological condition at every stage of examination;
- Access to geriatric healthcare services; and/or
- That a prison sentence should, as far as possible, not be imposed on a Defendant over the age of 75 (seventy-five) years, based on the Judge’s consideration in accordance with the provisions of the law regulating the Criminal Code.
This Article compels law enforcement officials, public prosecutors, and judges to actively consider the specific vulnerabilities of elderly persons as set out in this Article.
Know your rights as an older adult during a criminal investigation by authorised officials. Contact info@ssa-advocates.com.
Maryzka T Hardy / Dianyndra K Hardy