Terrorism bill could suppress political activity, warn opposition MPs

The draft legislation states that inciting violence at demonstrations and threatening the country’s independence and sovereignty will be considered acts of terrorism and specifies penalties of up to 25 years in jail.

During the preliminary debate on the bill at today’s sitting of parliament, several MPs noted that the existing anti-terrorism law has been used to jail or prosecute opposition leaders, and said politicians could become victims of the new law if the government exerts political influence over the judiciary and law enforcement bodies.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed was found guilty of terrorism over the military’s detention of a judge during his tenure and sentenced to 13 years in prison in March, whilst Adhaalath Party president Sheikh Imran Abdulla, Jumhooree Party (JP) deputy leader Ameen Ibrahim, and JP council member Sobah Rasheed were charged with terrorism in late May.