Do not support death penalty: MP Hamid

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) international spokesperson and Henveiru-South constituency MP Hamid Abdul Ghafoor has said that most MDP MPs are not in favor of the death penalty and would not back the amendment proposed to facilitate the process of implementing capital punishment. Hamid had held the news conference after he was released Sunday night. Police arrested Hamid on Sunday evening and released him even as the court had added five more days to his detention period.

Hamid said that the many countries around the world are against the death penalty and that the statistics show that enforcing the death penalty have not acted as a deterrent to potential crimes.

“We are not in favor of the death penalty. I, for sure, do not support the death penalty. Many countries are of a similar stand,” Hamid said.

When asked by a reporter why he bluntly opposes the death penalty while the Islamic Shariah clearly states it, Hamid said “that is a very easy and ordinary interpretation”

“I do not wish to go for a religious debate here on this issue. We believe that there are many controversies in it.” Hamid said.

He added that one of the reasons he opposed the death penalty is the situation of the judiciary in Maldives.

In response to the brutal stabbing murder of a policeman in Kaafu Atoll Kaashidhoo, Hamid said that MDP always opposes such violent crimes and that the party is saddened by the news. And that he hopes that the police would launch a full inquiry in to the matter.

When asked by reporters that high level officials of MDP call for violence against the security forces during gatherings and protests, Hamid said that MDP does not incite violence against the security forces, however there are conflicts between the police who brought about the ‘coup’ and MDP supporters. When asked about the other parties pointing fingers of accusation at MDP for the murder, Hamid said that this was not the time for the blame game.

“I don’t think this is such an occasion. Parties and individuals pointing fingers at each other (in accusation). I do not believe a political party would get in to such a case.” Hamid said.

He said that murders and other serious crimes rates are soaring indicating the failure of the judiciary however MDP’s desire to reform the judiciary through the parliament has been obstructed due to a lack of majority. He accused that the bills to reform the judiciary is being delayed within the Parliament as there are some members who support and benefit from these crimes.

Hamid said that he had not been informed of the reason why he had been released prior to the five day detention period imposed by the court and that he had not been released upon any conditions.
Tweet Bookmark Print Badge the Comments! Give badges to the best comments you see! You will get four badges a day 0 Comments To have full access to the interactive features available in Haveeru Online please register or sign in. or Post a Comment Loading comments... Please wait