The government has decided to amend the Penal Code to categorise acts deemed harmful to the national economy as major criminal offences punishable by up to 10 years in prison, in a move seen to suppress opposition and criticism against the Rasmalé deal.
According to the bill submitted to the People’s Majlis, intentional acts that could cause significant damage to the state economy will be classified as serious felonies. This includes obstructing essential services and infrastructure—such as water, electricity, transport, and telecommunications—as well as attempting to halt primary revenue-generating sectors of the state.
The proposed article provides legal grounds to interpret political activities, such as the opposition’s "Maldivian Land for Maldivians" campaign against leasing Rasmalé land to foreigners, as acts of economic sabotage. Furthermore, if a high-ranking state official is found guilty of such an offence, it would be classified as a second-degree felony, raising concerns that MPs participating in such movements could face 10-year prison sentences.
There are growing concerns that this amendment will grant the government the power to label criticism and protests targeting major state projects like Rasmalé as economic crimes, potentially leading to the arrest of vocal opponents.
Under these changes, an individual found guilty of such an act would face a prison sentence ranging from one to four years. However, if the offence is committed by a high-ranking state or government official, the penalty increases to a prison term of between six and ten years.
As the government moves to stifle critical voices, it has also established the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission through new legislation designed to control journalists and impose heavy penalties.
Additionally, the government has narrowed the space for freedom of expression by criminalising the publication of black-market dollar rates, making it an offence subject to heavy fines.
