Prisoner Sentence Period: New Decision

The Council of Ministers has authorised the preparation by the Legislative Council of a draft Code of Criminal Procedure (Special Provisions) Act to provide relief to certain persons accused of committing a crime.

According to the government, Act No. 25 of 2024 on amending the Code of Criminal Procedure was passed by Parliament in May 2024 to enable judges to take into account the period spent by an accused in pre-trial detention as a penalty before sentencing for the offence he is charged with.

However, it was felt that there should be a mechanism to take into account the period of pre-trial detention pending the verdict or decision on appeal, as those found guilty before the enactment of the amended Act are not entitled to relief under the amended Act.

In this regard, the Council of Ministers approved the request submitted by the Minister of Justice to issue legislative instructions to prepare a draft law aimed at introducing special provisions aimed at implementing the powers conferred on the President by Statute 34 of the Constitution, so that the necessary measures can be taken in respect of such offenders. (Press broadcast)