The NGO Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) urged the Ministry of Public Prosecutions to keep an eye on culprits on suspended sentences so their behaviour is monitored and they do not re-offend.
JSMP’s Executive Director, Luis Oliveira Sampaio, said so far those on suspended sentences are not monitored even though the Penal Law makes it a requirement.
Director Sampaio also said it was up to the Ministry of Public Prosecutions to ensure the proper execution of court orders.
“It is my understanding the Ministry of Public Prosecutions ensures compliance with court rulings.”
He added even if the law wasn’t clear on this matter the Ministry still has an obligation to monitor these offenders, “regardless of being obligated or not.”
In response to this issue the Prosecutor General of the Ministry of Public Prosecutions, Angelina Saldanha, said the law is not clear about whose responsibility it is to monitor culprits on suspended sentences.
“I am not sure if it is up the Ministry of Public Prosecutions or civil society to monitor these individuals,” said Prosecutor General Saldanha.
Antonio da Costa, a student of Law at the University of Peace UNPAZ, said the law needs some reviewing especially because judicial institutions are not in agreement as to whom should be monitoring culprits on suspended sentences.
