The Prosecutor General's Office has revealed that 539 applications have been submitted requesting review of charges and detention.

The PG Office revealed that a total of 539 complaints have been filed with them after an application window was opened for complaints regarding the detention of individuals arrested and detained in cases related to ongoing prosecutions, appeals, and cases submitted to court by the PG Office.

They stated that the office is conducting necessary reviews regarding the complaints that have been submitted alongside requests for review, and after completing the reviews, they would share their decisions with the parties who submitted the requests.

The opportunity to request a review of charges submitted to court or review of detention for individuals arrested or detained in connection with several cases, was opened on October 1.

PG Office highlighted that reviewing and examining the conditions and circumstances under which a person's freedom can be restricted through arrest, detention, or other means is a responsibility entrusted to the PG as per Article 223 (e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.

In addition to this, reviewing and changing decisions to prosecute or not prosecute in relation to criminal offenses falls within the responsibilities and powers granted to the PG under Article 223 (h).

In a bid to assist the PG to fulfil these constitutional responsibilities and duties, a special review committee was established at the PG Office.

A 20-day period has been given starting October 1, for submitting requests to review charges currently filed in court or to review the detention of individuals arrested or detained for multiple reasons, as well as to file complaints related to these matters.

PG Office said that the main task of the review committee is to decide on submissions requesting review of charges currently filed in court and review of detention of individuals arrested or detained in relation to criminal offenses, within the framework of the Constitution, laws, and relevant regulations, and to advise the PG on how to proceed with these matters.

This includes making the required changes to decisions.

The committee's work will be conducted directly under the supervision of the PG.

PG Office added that they would be making decisions regarding remand review requests in a timely manner.