Pre-trial detention and it‘s alternatives in Lithuania, Estonia, Romania and Slovakia

ENThe article deals with the legal regulation of grounds of the pre-trial detention and the initial length of pre-trial detention and its extension, which are quite similar in the Baltic and Central European states. The maximum duration of the pre-trial detention is regulated differently in all states, but this does not create any significant differences. Statistical data of the application of the pre-trial detention during 2013-2021 shows fairly significant differences between the Baltic and Central European countries: in Baltic countries, the application of the pre-trial detention decreased almost twice, in Romania – remained quite stable, and in Slovakia – increased by even 25%. Furthermore, the comparison of the total number of imprisoned persons and the application of the pre-trial detention provides basis for the conclusion that the application of the pre-trial detention did not have a significant impact on the reduction of the total number of imprisoned persons in Baltic countries and Central European states. Assessment of the alternative measures for pre-trial detention in Baltic countries and Central European states, as well as the available statistical data on their application allows to state that the application of the alternative measures does not depend on the size of the list and variety of these measures. Meanwhile, such alternative measures, the essence of which is electronic monitoring, are currently not popular and are rarely applied in Baltic countries and Central European states. Key words: Pre-trial detention; alternative measures; pre-trial investigation stage; Estonia; Lithuania; Romania; Slovakia. [From the publication]

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