In a significant effort to address the issue of detainees pending trial, the Maldives has officially launched a process for granting bail through an electronic monitoring system, with conditions set by the courts. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the development today via a post on X, calling it a resolution to a long-standing issue affecting the justice system.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving several state agencies, including the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, the Attorney General’s Office, the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office, the Maldives Police Service, and the Maldives Correctional Service. The PG Office confirmed that it would assess each detainee’s risk to public safety before approaching the courts for a conditional release.

Bail granted under the new system falls under Section 66 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing conditional release for up to 100 days. The PG Office may request an extension or revocation of bail if court-imposed conditions are violated.

President Dr Muizzu  previously met with campaigners on the issue, and pledged the Government’s full support to resolve concerns around prolonged detentions, particularly for those in pre-trial detention.

Authorities say electronic monitoring will allow for safer community integration of eligible detainees while ensuring compliance with judicial conditions.