No change in remand for serious crimes, PGO says

The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has stated that it will not ease remand conditions for individuals in prolonged pre-trial detention in cases involving serious crimes, including major terrorism-related offences.

The announcement follows the release of several individuals who had been held in custody for extended periods without trial. The releases were made as part of efforts to address concerns over long-term detentions.

In a statement, the PGO said that police assessments are currently being used to evaluate the risk these individuals may pose to public safety. However, it clarified that remand relief would only apply to those accused of offences that do not pose a threat to public security.

The PGO noted that individuals accused of the following categories of crime will not be eligible for remand relief:

According to the PGO, major terrorism offences include those that can lead to the development of religious or political extremism. Specific acts listed under such cases include:

The PGO confirmed that two individuals were released yesterday after being electronically tagged. It added that five more individuals are expected to be released following upcoming court hearings.

The majority of individuals currently held in pre-trial detention are facing charges related to murder, sexual offences, and terrorism.

Legal experts suggest that the long-term solution lies in expediting court proceedings and reaching verdicts without delay. Detention pending trial is a standard legal practice in many jurisdictions, intended to safeguard the community and ensure that accused individuals are brought to justice.