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Article 49. Rights of Arrested Persons

(1) An arrested person has the right–

  • (a) to be informed promptly, in language that the person understands, of–
    • (i) the reason for the arrest;
    • (ii) the right to remain silent; and
    • (iii) the consequences of not remaining silent;
  • (b) to remain silent;
  • (c) to communicate with an advocate, and other persons whose assistance is necessary;
  • (d) not to be compelled to make any confession or admission that could be used in evidence against the person;
  • (e) to be held separately from persons who are serving a sentence;
  • (f) to be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than–
    • (i) twenty-four hours after being arrested; or
    • (ii) if the twenty-four hours ends outside ordinary court hours, or on a day that is not an ordinary court day, the end of the next court day;
  • (g) at the first court appearance, to be charged or informed of the reason for the detention continuing, or to be released; and
  • (h) to be released on bond or bail, on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons not to be released.

(2) A person shall not be remanded in custody for an offence if the offence is punishable by a fine only or by imprisonment for not more than six months.