The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has clarified that detainees in custody for serious offences such as child sexual abuse, murder, terrorism, and drug trafficking will not be eligible for release under the newly introduced electronic monitoring system.

The system, which aims to ease overcrowding in remand prisons, allows for the release of certain pre-trial detainees who pose a low risk to public safety. Eligibility is determined through risk assessments conducted by the Maldives Police Service, which evaluate whether a detainee can be safely monitored outside custody.

Upon receiving these assessments, the PGO initiates the process of relaxing remand through court procedures. As of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, two individuals have been released under the monitoring system. Hearings for five additional detainees are scheduled for Thursday, May 29.

The initiative is part of the PGO’s broader effort to address capacity issues in the Maldives Correctional Service's remand facilities. The Office stated that the current number of detainees has exceeded the available space and believes the electronic monitoring approach will help alleviate pressure on the system.

The PGO says it is working on a long-term strategy to permanently improve the management of pre-trial detainees.