A bill outlining the imposition and execution of capital punishment, including execution by hanging, has been submitted to the People's Majlis.

The first reading of the bill was presented at today's sitting of the People's Majlis.

Submitted on behalf of the government by PNC Member for the Guraidhoo constituency, Hannan Mohamed Rasheed, the bill states that its purpose is to establish capital punishment in the Maldives while respecting the Constitution, international principles, public rights, and the rights of the offender. It also aims to introduce a robust legal framework detailing the procedures and guidelines for carrying out the sentence.

The bill sets out the conditions that must be fulfilled to impose the death penalty in the Maldives and the principles courts must follow when sentencing.

Furthermore, the legislation outlines the state's obligations in carrying out capital punishment, the rights of the condemned individual, circumstances and reasons prohibiting execution, and other rules and procedures related to sentencing and execution. According to the bill, capital punishment cannot be executed unless all statutory conditions for its execution are fully met.

The bill also specifies temporary conditions under which execution is prohibited, and notes that carrying out capital punishment in a public place where it can be generally seen is not permitted by law.

While establishing detailed execution procedures, the bill stipulates that the execution process of the offender will be overseen and managed by a seven-member panel. The panel must determine the date and time for the execution of the offender within a maximum of 30 days from the date the panel is constituted. The bill also outlines circumstances in which sentences must be postponed and conditions under which the offender may be pardoned.

According to the bill, all practical arrangements and execution of capital punishment must be planned and administered by the Maldives Correctional Service, and the sentence will be carried out by hanging. Executions are to commence after the panel grants authorization and all necessary preparations are completed.

Among the prerequisite conditions for imposing the death penalty specified in the bill are the agreement of the victim's heirs, a full review of the case through all stages of the judicial process, fair and equitable trials, and ensuring the accused's right to legal representation.