Those in indefinite detainment to be tagged, released

Prosecutor General’s Office has decided to review the remand status of individuals held in extended pre-trial detention, with the aim of releasing some under electronic monitoring.

This move follows a meeting between President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and a group of advocates on May 7, during which they proposed alternatives to prolonged incarceration, including monitored release mechanisms.

Under the new arrangement, detainees considered not to pose a serious threat to public safety may be released with electronic tags on their feet, allowing them to be monitored while awaiting trial.

Prosecutor General’s Office stated that before any release, a risk assessment will be carried out by the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Corrections to determine the appropriate level of monitoring.

PG Office emphasized that the purpose of the assessment is to ensure community safety while also addressing the rights of those detained. The assessment findings will be submitted to the courts when considering remand conditions.

The initiative responds to concerns raised by the advocates, who submitted a paper during their meeting with the President. The paper included statistics and case studies highlighting the negative impact of prolonged pre-trial detention and proposed both short-term and systemic reforms.

These included monitored release, strengthening the judiciary’s capacity for faster case processing, and offering detainees a second chance through supervised arrangements.

As per the Criminal Procedure Act, the maximum remand period with such relief is 100 days, after which custody must be reviewed. PG Office clarified that if any individual released under these conditions violates the terms of their release, immediate re-arrest and remand will be requested.

Advocates seek monitored release for those in prolonged pre-trial detention