Over 200 Detainees Request Release Under Electronic Monitoring Mechanism
More than 200 suspects currently held in remand custody have applied to be released under the electronic monitoring mechanism introduced by the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO).
The mechanism, launched in May, allows the release of suspects held in indefinite detention if they meet specific criteria, including a police risk assessment. Those approved are fitted with ankle monitors and placed under supervision for a period of 100 days with conditions imposed by the Criminal Court.
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A PGO spokesperson said the office had received applications from around 200 suspects, and 92 of those had been forwarded for risk assessments as of June. Thirteen suspects have been released with ankle monitors, while 20 applications have been rejected. The majority of rejections involved individuals accused of offences considered to pose a threat to public safety.
Although the PGO cites 13 releases, Criminal Court records show only nine, with the most recent release recorded on 17 July.
The PGO has stated that suspects will only be considered for release if they do not pose a significant risk to the community. Individuals accused of serious crimes, including murder, terrorism, sexual abuse of children and major drug trafficking offences, are ineligible under the mechanism.
The initiative aims to address ongoing concerns over lengthy pre-trial detentions. According to the PGO’s annual report published in March, four suspects have been held for more than six years while awaiting trial, eight have been detained for over five years and a further 22 have been held for over four years.
Reducing indefinite detention was a key pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his 2023 presidential campaign. The administration announced in March that legal reforms will be pursued to resolve prolonged remand custody issues.
The PGO has said that the monitoring mechanism is expected to ease overcrowding in detention facilities and improve conditions for detainees awaiting trial.
