Maldivian govt. plans to enforce death penalty

The new Maldivian administration plans on enforcing the death penalty, and will get it done after making necessary considerations, says Home Minister Ali Ihusan.

Ihusan made the remark in response to a question by a journalist at a press briefing on Wednesday.

“We will look into the necessary arrangements and considerations required in relation to this and carry this out in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Maldives,” he said.

He did not provide further details.

Maldives has had a de facto moratorium on the death penalty in place since 1954.

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had announced plans to enforce the death penalty during his administration – but faced legal hurdles and international pressure.

He later said that while he supports the enforcement of the death penalty, the Maldivian public has doubts about the fairness of the investigative and judicial process.

His successor, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated he did not wish to enforce the death penalty.