Magistrates allowed to visit police stations to check on suspects in custody

The Cabinet of Ministers has given the nod to allow magistrates appointed to judicial divisions to visit police stations at least once a month to check on the suspects in custody.

Accordingly, the approval was given to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979.

Department of Government Information the proposal was tabled by Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC.

The relevant bill drafted by the legal draftsman will be published in the government gazette and submitted to the parliament subsequently.

Co-Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Udaya Gammanpila said the decision was reached after taking into account the allegations levelled at police officers for harassing and threatening detained suspects and alleged foul play involved in the deaths of several suspects in police custody.