PG to review prolonged pre-trial detention via electronic monitoring
If the assessment concludes that remand can be relaxed, the PGO will submit a request to the court under Criminal Procedure Act.
The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has announced a new procedure to review the remand of individuals held in prolonged pre-trial detention, allowing for conditional release under court supervision and electronic monitoring.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, the PGO outlined the key factors and procedures that will guide this review process.
One of the main considerations is to assess the risk an individual may pose to community safety prior to any decision to release them from custody. This assessment will be conducted by the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Correctional Service. Based on their input, the Prosecutor General’s Office will prepare an evaluation outlining the necessity for monitoring individuals who may be granted conditional release.
If the assessment concludes that remand can be relaxed, the PGO will submit a request to the court under Criminal Procedure Act. The court may then approve conditional release for a period of up to 100 days.
Under the new system, the Prosecutor General’s Office will file a request with the court every 100 days to review the conditions imposed on individuals who have been granted such conditional release. If any of these individuals breach the conditions imposed by the court, the PGO will request the court to revoke the release and remand them back into custody.
Detainees seeking conditional release through electronic monitoring may submit their requests to the PGO, providing reasons for the application. Submissions can be made by the detainee or their legal representative through the PGO’s online portal.
Application forms will also be made available at Maldives Correctional Service detention centres.
