The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has stated that in cases where a person detained in a criminal case is to be released, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) should be given the opportunity to speak at the hearing on the conditions of release.
The PGO stated that MPS has the opportunity to have a say on the conditions of release by law but currently, some courts do not provide the opportunity. The PGO highlighted the importance of allowing the opportunity uniformly in all courts for the proper functioning of the legal system.
Additionally, the PGO stated that the MPS can request to include conditions when releasing a detainee from custody after taking into account the circumstances of the case and the circumstances of the accused. The PGO added that if all courts give the police service the opportunity to request the inclusion of conditions of release, the police will be able to pay special attention to those accused of various crimes and released for public safety.
A person may be detained in a criminal case if the following five conditions are met:
There is a potential attempt to conceal evidence.
They are anticipated to influence a witness.
There is a concern that the individual may not appear in court.
There is a possibility of escape.
There is a perceived threat to the safety of the community if released from custody.
A judge is authorized to grant bail to a detainee under the condition that the detainee confesses, commits to refraining from further offenses while on release, agrees to appear at law enforcement facilities during the investigation, commits to attending court proceedings during the trial, and agrees to abide by any additional conditions imposed by the court.