Two in indefinite remand released after affixing tags; efforts underway to release five more

Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) states two people have been released from custody after affixing tags under the electronic monitoring system, with efforts underway to release an additional five people in a bid to resolve the indefinite remand.

PGO announced their decision to release suspects who have been remanded in custody indefinitely after affixing tags last Wednesday.

This was followed by an announcement by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday night via his official X account stating the relevant government authorities have commenced efforts to resolve indefinite remand under an electronic monitoring system in line with conditions set forth by courts.

While the issue of indefinite remands for suspects jailed pending the end of their trials over various offences is concerning, it is an electoral pledge of President Muizzu to resolve the issue.

PGO, on Thursday, said they are identifying suspects remanded in custody indefinitely who can be given easements. The Office emphasized that the suspects would be released to society after referring to a threat assessment conducted by the Maldives Police Service to determine whether there is a threat to the safety and security of the public if they were released.

“This Office will continue to grant easements to remand as we receive the assessments,” PGO added.

As per the Office, two suspects who have been remanded in custody has been granted easements under the monitoring system as of yesterday, with hearings on granting easements for the remand of five additional suspects scheduled for today.

PGO has stressed that easements will only be granted to suspects who authorities believe can be safely monitored and do not pose a significant risk to society if released. It would not include suspects detained in the following offenses:

• Child sexual abuse
• Murder
• Major terrorism cases
• Major drug trafficking cases

The Office, citing suspects have been remanded in custody that exceeds the capacity of Maldives Correctional Service’s remand jails, states the initiative is expected to address the space constrains in remand jails to an extent. Moreover, it will also pave the way to facilitate better resources for those in remand jails, the Office added.

“The aim of this Office is to implement a comprehensive and sustainable solution for cases of indefinite remand,” PGO stressed.

Applications for easements to remand under the electronic monitoring system can be submitted via PGO’s online portal. The Office said suspects in remand can submit their applications through their lawyers as well.

According to PGO’s annual report, 417 people were remanded in custody indefinitely last year. Moreover, dozens of people have spent an extensive amount of time in indefinite remand. They include four people who have been in custody for six years, eight people who have been in custody for five years, 22 people who have been in custody for over four years, 39 people who have been in custody for over three years, 69 people who have been in custody for over two years and 83 people who have been in custody for over an year.