Nine Released from Remand Under Electronic Monitoring Programme
Nine individuals previously held in pre-trial detention have been released with electronic monitoring devices, the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) confirmed last night.
The individuals were released on 28 May as part of a broader initiative to address concerns surrounding the extended duration of remand periods.
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29 assessments done, out of which 9 were granted easement under electronic monitoring. pic.twitter.com/a9CckgfLwl— Shafeeu (@ShafeeuAhmedd) June 11, 2025
The PGO stated that 121 individuals have submitted requests to be considered for release under the electronic tagging scheme. Of these, nine have been released with monitoring devices, while a further 20 were assessed and not remanded in custody. The remaining 92 are currently undergoing police evaluations to assess the potential risk they may pose to public safety.
While the PGO did not disclose the specific charges against the nine individuals released, court records indicate that suspects in drug-related cases have been granted release with monitoring in previous instances.
The electronic tagging programme is implemented only after a police assessment determines that the individual does not pose a significant threat to the public. The PGO has reiterated that individuals charged with serious offences, including child sexual abuse, homicide, major drug trafficking, and high-level terrorism, are not eligible for release under this programme.
High-level terrorism offences are defined as actions resulting in serious bodily harm, threats to life, kidnapping, significant property damage, hijacking, or threats to public health or safety.
A large proportion of those currently in remand are facing charges relating to murder, sexual offences, and terrorism-related crimes. Legal experts have highlighted the potential of the tagging initiative to reduce the backlog in pre-trial detention but emphasise the need for wider reforms. These include resolving space constraints within the judiciary and adopting measures to expedite court proceedings.
Pre-trial detention, a practice used internationally, is intended to ensure public safety and to secure a defendant’s presence during trial. Legal grounds for detention generally rely on three main considerations: the risk of the individual fleeing the jurisdiction, the possibility of evidence being tampered with, and the level of threat posed to the public.
