The parliament has accepted the Gang Crimes Prohibition Bill and sent it to committee for further review.
The bill proposed by Mahchangolhi South MP Muthafa Hussain, on behalf of the government was accepted with 42 votes.
The bill defines gangs and stipulates severe penalties for gang members and those involved in gang-related activities.
According to the bill, a person found guilty of forming or running an organized criminal group faces up to 25 years in jail and a fine of between MVR 10 million and MVR 200,000. Anyone who aids and abets the offense faces up to 18 years in prison and a fine of between MVR 5 million and MVR 100,000.
A person who recruits people for an organized crime group can face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of between MVR 7 million and MVR 100,000. Anyone who recruits children for such a group faces up to 25 years in jail and a fine of between MVR 10 million and MVR 200,000.
Additionally, a person who participates in an organized criminal group can face a 15-year jail term and a fine of between MVR 75,000 and MVR 3 million. A person who aids and abets such an offense can be jailed for 10 years with a fine of between MVR 50,000 and MVR 500,000.
A person who involved in the activities of such a group can be jailed for 12 years with a fine of between MVR 75,000 and MVR 1 million. Anyone who aids and abets such an offense is liable to imprisonment for eight years and a fine of between MVR 50,000 and MVR 300,000.
According to the bill, courts will have the power to determine gang members:
- If the accused uses a gang symbol or sign
- Maintaining a close relationship with a gang member or any person who was or is involved in the formation or operation of a gang
- If the accused benefits from a gang
- Participating in the activities of a gang under the direction of any person who was or is involved in the formation or operation of a gang
The bill also prohibits the use of any gang-related symbol or drawing on any part of the body or on any item commonly carried by the person.
It further mentions the circumstances in which people arrested for gang crimes, even if not convicted, can have their property seized by the state while their right to see an attorney can be denies for 48 hours after being detained for such a crime.
Speaking during the debate in People's Majlis today, Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan said the top priority should be to identify and eliminate the reasons why young people join gangs.
Ruling party MP Azaan.
“None of us dispute the need to curb gang crimes and planned crime, however as we debate such an important bill, we need to understand why such gang crimes are committed, why children join gangs at a young age, we need to investigate and address such issues,” he said.
Azaan said Addu city is experiencing an unusual increase in gang crimes as the city lacks employment opportunities. He reiterated that it is important to address the root cause of gang crimes before introducing harsh punishments.
Meanwhile, Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim said seizing the property of people who have not been found guilty could restrict the legal power of courts and legal decisions.
Opposition MP Ibrahim (Kudu).
He noted that Article 51 of the Constitution states that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
"Therefore, it is not justified to confiscate the property of the person if he is not convicted. Inclusion of such a provision in the law definitely deprives the courts of their authority," he said.
