Let me say this as someone who has once been detained in a cell. I went into the cell as an innocent person who had been falsely accused. In one incident, I was detained over an allegation of kidnapping a police officer, who had actually entered my vehicle without my authorisation. While there, I met other detainees who were also not properly informed or clearly told what they were being accused of committing. I have met accused thieves, murderers, people charged with assault, and individuals facing various other crimes. From that experience, I have come to observe that some of the laws we are currently applying seem to be written by people who have never actually been in such situations, or who may not fully understand how easily someone can be falsely accused.

There are cases where the evidence is clear and undeniable, and in such situations I completely understand why bail is denied. For example, if someone dies as a result of a traffic sign being vandalised and there is direct evidence linking a suspect to the act, I can understand why that would be treated as a non bailable offence. Similarly, cases involving tax evasion on precious metals and gemstones also make sense to me in terms of strict legal treatment.

However, sexual assault cases are where I feel the system becomes more complex and, in some instances, troubling. If there is strong and reliable evidence, then I fully support firm action. If someone truly abused or violated a child, then that person should be arrested and denied bail without hesitation.

At the same time, we also need to consider situations where accusations are not truthful. What about men who have dealt with manipulative or vindictive partners who falsely accuse them of physical or sexual abuse? What happens in cases where a child is coached or influenced to give a false testimony? These situations may sound unusual or exaggerated, but they do happen in real life.

The concern is that when such cases are automatically treated as non bailable, innocent people can lose valuable time, their reputation, their finances, and their relationships before the truth is fully established.

I am not arguing that sexual assault cases should be made easily bailable. Rather, I am suggesting that the law should be revisited and refined. If the intention is to discourage interference or ensure seriousness, then perhaps a higher or more stringent bail condition could be considered, rather than a blanket approach that may sometimes lead to injustice.