Page 7 of 46 noted authorities detained foreign nationals who had no reasonable prospect of return. Arrest Procedures and Treatment of Detainees The law provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. The law prohibited arbitrary arrest and required judicial warrants for arrests, except during the commission of a crime. The law required detainees be promptly informed of the charges against them at their first court appearance. The law required police to bring detainees before a magistrate, who should issue a detention warrant or order the detainee’s release within 24 hours. There was a functioning bail system as well as other options for release pending trial. Detainees were allowed prompt access to a lawyer of their choice, or one provided by the state. The law provided for the latter after a person was formally charged with a criminal offense rather than from the outset of custody. These rights were generally respected. Indigent defendants facing felony charges received legal representation from the bar association. NGOs and international organizations provided limited legal aid to detained migrants and asylum seekers. e. Denial of Fair Public Trial The constitution and law provided for an independent judiciary, and the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2023 United States Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor