Amendment to Clemency Act seeking capital punishment proposed

An amendment to the Clemency Act has been proposed in yesterday’s session of the Majlis, seeking the execution of capital punishment issued by Supreme Court.

Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Rasheed proposed the amendment and Faresmathoda Ibrahim Muttalib supported the amendment to the article 21 of the Clemency Act.

“Although this act says otherwise, if the Supreme Court issues a verdict, the lower courts, whether it is the high court or criminal court gives the verdict of death penalty, and Supreme Court is in agreement with their decree then the verdict should be executed.”

“And this amendment shall be in effect from the day it is ratified and published in the government gazette,” the proposed amendment said.

Meanwhile, the recent waves of street violence have resulted in loss of life to a number of people - mostly young people and have resulted in injury to people, damage to property.

The criminal court on November 23, 2010 sentenced Mohamed Nabeel of G. Reef, 21 years old, to death for the murder of Abdulla Faruhaad of Lilymaage Seenu Atoll Hulhudhoo, 18 years old, and last year in Majeedjee Magu near Luxury Shopping Center.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Baaree earlier said that “the governing structure or system should be based on Islamic principles and Shariah. In such a government, all the power is not concentrated in the hands of the leader or the People’s Majlis. These bodies do not have the choice to make laws that are against the Shariah and impose it on the people.”