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.

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.

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.

Maldives urged to halt execution by EU, UN rights experts

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has also opposed Humam’s execution without the consent of the victim’s family. “No Islamic state has the right to carry out qisas except as provided in Islam,” he declared in a tweet.

Maldives forges ahead with preparations for death penalty despite criticism

The government is forging ahead with plans to execute the 22-year-old man convicted of killing MP Afrasheem Ali. The MP’s family, who asked courts to delay the death sentence last week, said they are yet to hear back

When can the Maldives president commute the death penalty?

In a blow to groups urging the Maldives to reinstate a moratorium on the death penalty, the high court has ruled that the president cannot commute the death sentence for individuals convicted of first-degree murder. Judges, however, specified other instances where the president can intervene.

Ayyubey’s final heir calls for death sentence

“Death for death” say six of murdered lawyer’s heirs