Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham revealed today that the bill on implementing the death penalty, previously mentioned by President Mohamed Muizzu, cannot be submitted during the current session of the People’s Majlis.
Speaking at a press conference, Usham stated that although efforts were made to introduce the bill during the ongoing session, he no longer believes it is feasible to meet that deadline.
"As the President noted, we were working to submit the bill during this session. I have been working towards that goal. However, I do not believe we will be able to submit it within this term," he said.
Usham clarified that the bill is expected to be introduced during the second session of the year, noting that a big part of the drafting process has already been completed. He emphasised that several religious and legal aspects must be thoroughly reviewed before the bill is formally submitted to Parliament.
"I believe it can be submitted during the second session. The work on the bill is largely finished. However, due to the nature of the matter, there are many factors we must consider, including perspectives from a religious angle. We are currently in the process of reviewing those elements," the Attorney General added.
Stating that not implementing the death penalty is not an option, Usham expressed his belief that every judgment delivered by the courts must be enforced. However, he argued that instead of relying on existing regulations, the death penalty should be carried out under a specific law.
Muizzu reiterates death penalty will be implemented
The Maldives has not carried out an execution since 1954. Last year, the government said four people were on death row after completing all judicial stages.
During a press conference in March, Muizzu had announced that the bill to implement the death penalty would be submitted to the Majlis during its current session
"The Attorney General's Office is preparing a bill to bring a special law to execute such persons. This bill is almost completed now. We will hopefully send this bill to parliament during the current session," Muizzu said.
Muizzu further noted that he would ratify the bill as soon as it is passed by Parliament, after which the government would begin the process of implementing capital punishment in the Maldives.
The current administration has already introduced amendments to the Drugs Act to allow for the death penalty for drug kingpins in cases involving specific quantities of narcotics, provided the sentence is issued by a unanimous bench of the Supreme Court.
The Maldives has not carried out an execution since 1954. In 2024, the government disclosed that there are four individuals whose legal appeals have been exhausted and are currently on death row.
The administration of former President Abdulla Yameen had previously decided to end the decades-long moratorium on the death penalty. However, this policy was reversed by the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2018.
Despite previously advocating for the implementation of capital punishment, Yameen said in September last year that he no longer supports it due to a lack of confidence in the current judicial system.
