The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan has revealed that 10 suspects in prolonged pre-trial detention have been granted monitored release using electronic tagging.
Speaking on PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, Minister Ihusan acknowledged that finding a permanent solution to the issue of prolonged pre-trial detention is a pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Pre-trial detention, according to the Minister, is enforced to prevent suspects from posing a danger to society, evidence tampering or fleeing from investigation. However, there are some suspects currently in pre-trial detention for five or six years, he revealed.
According to Minister Ihusan several suspects have already been granted monitored release under electronic tagging. The tag is a device that monitors the movements of suspects 24 hours a day and will automatically alert authorities if the suspect strays outside the permitted radius.
"We will fully monitor the released suspects. So far, 10 people have been tagged and released. We will not release any suspect that may pose a danger to society,” he explained.
Suspects granted electronically monitored release are subject to certain conditions imposed by the court.
Under this system, the conditions of those granted remand must be submitted to the court for review every 100 days.
Minister Ihusan acknowledged that the only lasting solution is to expedite trials. He stated that the Government is working to strengthen its support by providing the necessary infrastructure and resources to the judiciary.
"The President is working to get the new Criminal Court building completed. The aim is to complete the project by 26 July. Then we can look to clear the backlog of cases,” he added.