The Prosecutor General’s Office has revealed that 252 individuals currently in custody have applied for release under the Government’s electronic monitoring programme, introduced as an alternative to pre-trial detention.

The initiative is one aspect of the Government’s push to reform the criminal justice system and reduce the number of individuals held in lengthy pre-trial detention. Under the system, individuals are released with electronic tags that allow authorities to monitor their movements round-the-clock. Alerts are triggered if they move outside designated areas.

According to the PG Office, 10 individuals have so far been granted release through this system. Of those, seven are suspects in drug-related offences, while three were arrested in cases involving weapons. The office noted that the three were not directly involved in the alleged acts of violence.

Monthly figures show four detainees were released in May, three in June, and two in July. Applicants must submit a formal request to the PG Office, providing reasons for their eligibility. Forms are available both online and at detention centres operated by the Maldives Correctional Service.

Out of the 252 applications received, 149 have been sent for assessment. One case has been fully reviewed but is awaiting a final decision, while 83 remain unresolved. Forms are still being processed for nine individuals. Once approved, release is granted under strict court conditions. The PG Office is required to submit regular updates to the court every 100 days to ensure compliance.

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.