Local
Concerns rise over the new amendment bill on penal code.
A group of parliamentarians have issued a statement expressing their concern over the new amendment bill on the Penal Code of the Maldives (Act no:9/2014).
According to the statement issued by the parliamentarians, the bill contradicts the article 27 of the constitution that clearly stipulates that everyone has the right to freedom of thought and expression in a manner that is not contrary to any tenet of Islam.
In their bid to oppose the bill, they noted that it is imperative to bring an end to the hatred stimulated by the bill amongst the public.
As per the statement, it is an indisputable fact that the hateful actions are causing harm and loss to the citizens of the Maldives and therefore the problem should be resolved.
Expressing their disapproval on the newly introduced amendment to the article 124 of the Penal Code of the Maldives, the statement highlighted the bill is unable to serve its purpose.
Shedding light on the amendments brought onto the bill by the judiciary committee, the parliamentarians noted that rather than bringing an end to hatred the bill has the potential to trigger undesirable effects.
Furthermore, they stated that the bill challenges the Islamic faith and unity of Maldivians and has the potential to cause chaos amongst the people.
According to the statement while drafting and enacting bills relating to the fundamentals of Islam and the fundamental rights of the citizens, it is advisable to resort to prior counsel from citizens, religious scholars and relevant authorities.
The statement reiterated on the significance of broad discussions ahead of an amendment of a bill.
In this regard they stated their concern over the relevant committee’s decision on enacting the bill without giving consideration towards the amendments issued by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Human Rights Commission of the Maldives.
The former Defense Minister Colonel Retired Mohamed Nazim, MP for Dhangethy Constituency and former Commissioner of Police Abdulla Riyaz, MP for Thimarafushi Constituency were among the parliamentarians who expressed their disapproval through the statement. Attaching the statement, they further tweeted their disapproval towards the bill as well.
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