Anti-terrorism Bill
Draconian anti-terrorism bill passed into law
Opposition MPs warned that the new law would restrict fundamental rights and render the penal code redundant. The “dangerous” law could be used to suppress anti-government activities and jail politicians on trumped up charges, they said. But pro-government MPs defended the legislation, insisting that it was necessary to effectively combat terrorism.
27 Oct 2015, 9:00 AM
‘Dangerous’ anti-terrorism bill fails to pass
During the final debate on the bill, ruling party MP Mohamed Musthafa said the bill was shaped to “keep MPs at gunpoint” and could be used to criminalise political rhetoric. The government-sponsored legislation was widely expected to be passed into law today, but Musthafa’s proposal to return the bill to committee was passed unanimously with 55 votes in favour.
26 Oct 2015, 9:00 AM
Committee approves controversial anti-terrorism bill
The parliament’s national security committee has approved a new anti-terrorism bill that opposition MPs fear could be misused to target anti-government activities and jail politicians. The government-sponsored legislation could be put to a vote next week and is likely to pass as the ruling coalition controls a simple majority in the People’s Majlis.
21 Oct 2015, 9:00 AM
Family of four leaves Maldives ‘on Jihad’
A family of four has reportedly left the Maldives to Syria last week. The husband and wife, both 28 years old, took their children, a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old, with them.
30 Aug 2015, 9:00 AM
Comment: Will the new anti-terror bill deter Maldivian ‘Jihadists’?
The anti-terror bill metes out up to 20 years in jail for Maldivians who join foreign wars. But how effective can harsh penalties be when the government is yet to publicly acknowledge how wide spread extremism is in the Maldives? asks Mohamed Hameed, the former head of the police intelligence directorate.
14 Jul 2015, 10:22 PM
New bill sets jail term up to 20 years for ‘Jihad’
The new draft, submitted to the People’s Majlis on Monday, metes out a jail term of 17-20 years for departing the country to join a foreign war. Any individual caught attempting to leave the country with the same intent could be jailed for 10-15 years.
07 Jul 2015, 10:00 PM