In U-turn, Maldives votes against death penalty moratorium at UN

A UN committee was told last month the Maldives would vote yes.

Maldives pledges to uphold moratorium on death penalty

The moratorium was lifted by former president Abdulla Yameen in 2014.

Maldives ready to carry out executions: minister

The government initially decided to implement the death penalty through lethal injection, but is now ready to carry out executions by hanging.

Death penalty violent and ineffective form of punishment, says UK

British minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon told the House of Lords the government had engaged the Maldives at the highest levels over the death penalty.

Maldives death penalty delays will be resolved by October 8

Maldives ready for executions in September, president declares

The Maldives will be ready to carry out the first executions in more than 60 years next month, President Abdulla Yameen declared Sunday amid growing international concern over the reintroduction of the death penalty.

Tariq Ramadan renews appeal to stop executions

The renowned Islamic scholar urged President Abdulla Yameen to reconsider moving ahead with the first execution in the Maldives in more than 60 years.

EU parliament discusses Maldives human rights situation

MEPs discussed “the continued lack of respect for the peaceful expression of the political opposition, worsening security trends including sharp radicalisation of parts of society and the high number of foreign fighters from the country joining the ranks of ISIS, as well as the overall decrease in the respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.”

Two men convicted of 2011 murder sentenced to death

If the guilty verdicts are upheld by both the high court and supreme court, Abdulla Nazeef and Mohamed Shifau will join three convicts presently on death row.

Man found not guilty in murder of his ‘sorcerer’ grandfather

The criminal court has acquitted the step-grandson of involvement in the January 2012 murder of Ali Hassan ‘Ayyube’, an alleged sorcerer from the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll.

The Maldives must maintain its proud history of not executing people

“At present, the lack of confidence in due process means that the risk of the execution of an innocent man or woman is greater than ever,” writes Paul Godfrey, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

A conversation with Umar Naseer

Ex Home Minister Umar Naseer speaks candidly about his resignation from the cabinet, the changing political landscape, and the high-profile murder of Dr Afrasheem Ali.

Death in the tropical paradise

Omkar Khandekar explores “the melting pot of conspiracy theories” spawned by the assassination of Dr Afrasheem Ali in October 2012.

Islam, traitors, economy: Yameen’s independence day address

The president’s address featured recurring themes: an alleged conspiracy by unnamed foreign powers to undermine the country’s Islamic identity, independence and sovereignty; the threat posed by “traitors” to peace and stability; and the importance of economic independence.

Supreme Court upholds third death sentence

The apex court upheld the conviction of Mohamed Nabeel on the murder of an 18-year-old man in March 2009. The full bench of the Supreme Court ruled that the accused was found guilty of murder beyond any doubt.

An eye for an eye, or save the lives of mankind?

As the state prepares for its first execution in more than half a century, Shahindha Ismail ruminates on the value of forgiveness and mercy in Islam.

UN rights committee requests halt to Humam’s execution

The UN Human Rights Committee has requested the government to halt the imminent execution of Hussain Humam Ahmed pending the outcome of its review of his case.

New foreign minister downplays UN request to halt execution

Contrary to reports in local media, the UN Human Rights Committee has not “ordered” the government to halt the imminent execution of a 22-year-old convict, newly-appointed Foreign Minister Dr Mohamed Asim said today.

Ex-Islamic minister defends death penalty regulations

Dr Shaheem, the vice chancellor of the Maldives Islamic University, argued that the concerns raised by Professor Tariq Ramadan in a letter to the president last week are addressed in the regulations approved by the cabinet in April 2014 for implementing the death penalty.

A tightening of the noose

“Humam’s death will affect all of us, our national psyche because with him we will lose that sense of longing for something good that we might have been,” writes Latheefa Ahmed Verall.