Attorney General Uz Ahmed Usham has stated that the Government’s proposed legislation on the implementation of capital punishment is expected to be submitted to Parliament during the second session of this year.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the President’s Office, Uz Usham said work on drafting the bill was nearing completion, while noting that several legal and religious considerations were being reviewed as part of the process. He explained that although the Government had initially aimed to submit the bill during the current parliamentary session, the legislation is now expected to be presented after Parliament reconvenes in June following its recess.

The proposed legislation is intended to establish a formal legal framework for the implementation of capital punishment in the Maldives. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had earlier stated that the absence of a dedicated legal mechanism had prevented such sentences from being carried out. The President also said the Government considers the enactment of such legislation necessary to uphold justice and the principles of Islamic law within the country.

During the press briefing, Uz Usham stated that the implementation of court-issued sentences should not remain optional once all legal procedures have been completed. He further noted that the Government intends to complete all necessary legal processes required for the enforcement of capital punishment under the proposed framework.

Uz Usham also responded to calls made by several local and international human rights organisations opposing the implementation of the death penalty in the Maldives. The organisations include Advocates for Human Rights, Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network, Capital Punishment Justice Project, Human Rights Watch, Maldivian Democracy Network and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.

Meanwhile, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan stated that capital punishment remains recognised under the Constitution and Islamic jurisprudence applicable in the Maldives.

An amendment to the Narcotics Act introducing the death penalty for individuals convicted of smuggling drugs into the Maldives came into force last year. The last execution carried out in the Maldives was in 1954.