Why the sentence on death by stoning is unconstitutional
The decision contravenes provisions that emphasize non-discrimination, equality, human dignity and fair trial rights in the constitution and international human rights conventions that the Maldives is signatory to, argues Shahindha Ismail and Mushfiq Mohamed.
20 Oct 2015, 9:00 AM
By Shahindha Ismail and Mushfique Mohamed
On October 18, a Maldivian woman, charged with birth out of wedlock, was sentenced to death by stoning, a first in Maldivian history.
Although the charge of birth out of wedlock only carries a penalty of home detention for a one-year period, the Gaaf Alif Gemanafushi magistrate court sentenced the woman to death by stoning.
Following a public outcry, the Supreme Court on the same day, overruled the lower court’s decision.
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