In a move to suppress dissent against the Rasmalé deal, the government has introduced a bill to the People’s Majlis seeking to amend the Penal Code.
The proposed legislation establishes severe penalties for the crime of genocide but includes clauses that could be interpreted to silence activism against Zionists.
The bill was submitted on behalf of the government by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP for Maafannu South, Abdulla Rifau. The official justification for the amendment is to codify genocide as a criminal offence in alignment with international conventions to which the Maldives is a signatory.
However, legal observers note that the phrasing of the bill could be weaponised to prohibit advocacy against particular religious or ethnic groups. There are concerns that these provisions could be misused to stifle domestic protests and opposition directed at Israeli Zionists. The bill stipulates that directly and publicly inciting action against a group based on their nationality, race, or religion constitutes a criminal offence.
Under the proposed changes, committing an act of genocide would be classified as a first-degree felony. According to the Penal Code, the baseline sentence for such a crime ranges from 10 to 25 years in prison. Furthermore, individuals found guilty of inciting such acts would face second-degree felony charges, punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment.
The bill further clarifies that following the orders of a superior or acting under legal authorisation does not constitute a valid defence for this crime. Additionally, it states that no state official, regardless of rank, shall be entitled to immunity or special privileges under this article.
