Maldives Begins Electronic Tagging System to Tackle Overcrowding, Excludes Serious Offenders

In a landmark move to reform the criminal justice system, the Maldives has begun implementing an electronic tagging programme aimed at reducing overcrowding in remand facilities. The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office confirmed today that two individuals have already been released under the new monitoring system, which launched just yesterday.

However, authorities have firmly stated that individuals facing charges related to serious crimes—such as murder, terrorism, child sexual abuse, and large-scale drug trafficking—will not be eligible for this form of release.

A Targeted Approach to Pre-Trial Detention

The new system comes in response to persistent concerns over the prolonged detention of suspects awaiting trial, a longstanding issue in the Maldivian criminal justice system. According to the PG Office, electronic tagging offers a controlled alternative to detention while maintaining public safety.

“This initiative is a partial but meaningful step toward addressing capacity issues in our remand prisons,” the PG Office noted in its official statement. “It also enables better allocation of state resources and focuses pre-trial detention on individuals who pose a genuine threat to society.”

The tagging programme uses wearable devices to track individuals released from remand. These individuals are still considered under judicial supervision but are allowed to remain outside of prison as they await trial.

Strict Criteria for Eligibility

The PG Office emphasized that the decision to release detainees under electronic monitoring would be based on a thorough risk assessment. Only those deemed not to pose a danger to the public will be considered. Two such cases were approved today, and five additional remand hearings are scheduled to take place in the coming days.

Nonetheless, the PG Office made it clear that there would be no leniency when it comes to serious or violent offenses. “This system is not a blanket solution,” the statement stressed. “We will continue to prioritize public safety and ensure that the law is upheld.”

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu hailed the initiative as an essential step toward long-term justice reform. While he acknowledged that electronic tagging could help manage current capacity issues, he reiterated that the root solution lies in expediting investigations and judicial proceedings.

“This is the beginning of a broader strategy to ensure justice is served fairly and efficiently,” said President Muizzu. “Our administration is committed to supporting institutions involved in speeding up case processing and improving public confidence in the legal system.”

As more assessments are reviewed, additional detainees may be eligible for release under the tagging programme. This cautious and case-by-case approach aims to ensure that the public remains safe while also addressing critical flaws in the current detention system.

The introduction of electronic tagging in the Maldives marks a significant shift in how the nation approaches pre-trial detention, reflecting a growing focus on human rights, rehabilitation, and judicial efficiency. While it may not be a comprehensive solution, it represents a necessary starting point in the ongoing reform of the country's legal infrastructure.