A decision must be made on the death penalty: Home Minister

Home Minister Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed while expressing concern with the recent hike in stabbing murders in the Maldives, has stressed that the relevant authorities must expedite a decision on implementing the death penalty. Speaking to reporters today to express concern for the remorseless murder of famed lawyer Ahmed Najeeb last night, Home Minister claimed that the relevant authorities now needed to contemplate whether the present penal code delivered the most just punishment for criminal offences.

Minister added that the life sentence for murder at present meant 25 years in prison and hence the sentence needed to be revised to life imprisonment.

During the press conference Minister had spoken in support of enforcing the death penalty in the Maldives. Jameel assured that the Home Ministry would not hesitate to impose the death penalty if the relevant authorities came to a consensus over its implementation.

Minister further detailed that the death penalty was not new and many countries in Asia currently adopt capital punishment for drug related offences in addition to murder.

“We need to debate on if implementing the death penalty is the most appropriate punishment and declare penalties to ensure a safe and secure environment for the people. Given the increase in murders we need to offer protection for the society,” Jameel added.

“It is not something new. It is practiced in Islamic Shariah and common law.”

Home Minister said that the time had come for the relevant authorities to take lead on enforcing capital punishment. He stressed that the people needs to be assured that justice would prevail and criminals would not escape due punishment for their crimes.

Jameel also highlighted the negative effects of regime changes on implementing proper punishment for criminals. Noting that the suspect arrested over Najeeb’s murder last night had earlier been released under the ‘second chance’ program, Home Minister claimed that it was a matter of grave concern.

Home Minister stressed that the imposing apt punishment for criminal offences must not be affected by changes to the government.
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