The government has submitted legislature to amend the Criminal Procedure Code in order to allow for convicts to be freed on bail.

Bail is the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged or a surety is named to guarantee their appearance in court.

The new bill, sponsored by Manadhoo MP Husnee Mubarik, will allow for convicts to be freed on bail, pending the outcome of their appeal. But bail will be based on certain conditions, including that:

• The appeal is based on credible grounds
• Adherence to bail conditions
• And lack of any public interest in keeping the convict detained

The bill also allows for convicts to be released on bail while they await sentencing by the lower court.

However, the legislature stipulates that convicts will be released under the circumstance only if it is proven to be crucial to the establishment of justice. The bill states that the court can also set certain conditions, including imposing a travel ban, requiring them to present themselves to court at specified times, or barring them from communicating with other people involved in the case.

The legislature states that bail must be granted only if doing so does not infringe on the interests of the victim or the society at large.

The bill also includes provisions on quick preservation of stored computer data, procedures on disclosure of traffic data, as well as procedures on search and seizure and withholding of stored computer data.

The High Court has previously declared that given the lack of specific laws to that effect, only suspects can be released on bail.

Source(s): sun.mv

SINGAPORE, July 4 (Xinhua) — Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized over 350,000 e-cigarettes and components worth more than 6 million Singapore dollars (4.4 million U.S. dollars) in operations from June 14 to June 18, it said Thursday.

Two men and two women are assisting with investigations.

HSA noted that it had seized e-cigarettes and components worth over 18 million Singapore dollars this year.

It is illegal to import, distribute, or sell e-cigarettes and their components in Singapore.

Source(s): Xinhua

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced the opening of opportunities to apply for land in Hulhumale’ Phase Two for mixed residential and commercial purposes.

Under this new initiative, HDC is offering land for the development of both residential and commercial projects in accordance with the master plan for Phase Two of Hulhumale’. The master plan for this phase includes provisions for social housing and commercial development, aiming to create a balanced and vibrant community.

The land available for mixed residential projects is designated for the construction of 10-storey buildings. These buildings are envisioned to feature apartment complexes with commercial spaces on the ground floor, designed to meet the needs of both residents and businesses in the area.

In addition, HDC is offering four land plots for commercial purposes. The available land plots are about 5,000 square meters, 7,000 square meters, 10,150 square meters and 11,000 square meters.

These commercial lands are being allocated on a land sale model, where developers are responsible for the development and operation of their projects. This model ensures that the businesses established will serve the needs of the Phase Two community effectively.

Expressions of interest for these land parcels are open indefinitely. HDC will prioritise developers who propose the best services and plans that align with and strengthen the master plan for Hulhumale’ Phase Two.

HDC expressed commitment to advancing the development of Hulhumale’ Phase Two in line with the master plan, aiming to foster a well-planned, sustainable urban environment.

For more information and to submit expressions of interest, HDC has asked to visit their website or contact their office directly.

Source(s): PsmNews