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
The parliament’s national security committee has approved a new anti-terrorism bill that opposition MPs fear could be misused to suppress anti-government activities and jail politicians.
MP Ibrahim Riza of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), chair of the national security committee, confirmed to The Maldives Independent that the committee completed its review and forwarded the government-sponsored legislation to the People’s Majlis floor yesterday.
Riza declined to reveal whether substantial changes were made during the committee stage, but an anonymous pro-government MP told CNM that the bill was approved with minor revisions.
The bill was approved despite misgivings, the MP said, noting that political rhetoric could be construed as terrorism under the proposed law.
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