Adam Shareef: Counter-terror bill restricts expression of Islamic sentiments

Deputy leader of PNC, Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef Umar has voiced alarm the counter-terrorism bill submitted by the government council potentially restrict expression of pro-Islamic sentiments.

The Parliament convened for a special sitting to hold the first reading of the counter-terror bill, presented by ruling MDP lawmaker, South Henveyru MP Hussain Shaheem (Andhun Hussain), on Thursday.

Adam Shareef tweeted last Friday that he was alarmed over some of the proposed amendments. He said that the government’s policy regarding terrorism and extremism drew blame on Maldives.

“Some of the amendments proposed to the counter-terrorism act will restrict expression of pro-Islamic sentiments. It’s very worrying,” said Adam Shareef, the country’s former Defense Minister.

The counter-terrorism bill establishes supporting a terror organization, expressing support for a terror organization, or expressing encouragement for a terrorist activity as crimes.

It prohibits adornment of clothing which indicates a person is a member of a terror organization or supports a terror organization out in public, as well as possession of writing, drawing or picture which indicate a person is a member of a terror organization or supports a terror organization in plain sight.

The new counter-terror bill accommodates a broader definition of terrorism, and establishes additional crimes as terrorist activity.

It also grants law enforcement agencies sweeping powers in dealing with terror suspects.

The Parliament’s standing orders require the preliminary debate on legislature to be held five days after the first reading. However, the debate may be expedited and held as soon as within three days if all parliamentary group leaders agree.

Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has announced he plans to hold talks with parliamentary group leaders to expedite the bill.