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
The parliament today passed into law a controversial anti-terrorism bill that opposition MPs fear could be used to prosecute citizens for exercising the constitutional rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
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 and assuring that it would not be used to target political opponents.
The anti-terrorism law was passed today amidst heightened tension in the wake of Vice President Ahmed Adeeb’s arrest on Saturday. He is under police custody on suspicion of plotting to assassinate President Abdulla Yameen.
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