Two Detainees Released Under Maldives’ New Electronic Monitoring System

News

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) announced today that two detainees have been released under the newly launched electronic monitoring system aimed at easing overcrowding in remand facilities.

Launched just yesterday, the tagging programme seeks to address long-standing concerns over indefinite pre-trial detention and the strain on prison capacity. The system allows for the release of pre-trial detainees who, based on risk assessments, are deemed low risk to public safety.

The PGO clarified that suspects facing serious charges—including murder, terrorism, child sexual abuse, and drug trafficking—are excluded from eligibility for release under this system. Five additional detainees are scheduled for remand hearings tomorrow as their cases undergo review.

“This will provide a partial solution to capacity issues in remand prisons and allow better allocation of resources,” the PGO stated.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu described the initiative as the start of a long-term effort to resolve remand overcrowding. He emphasized that expediting investigations remains the most effective solution and pledged full government support for improving the judicial process.