Government Not Using Death Penalty for Public Support, Says Minister Ihusan

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology said today that the President is not using the implementation of the death penalty as a means of generating public support and that it will proceed once the Supreme Court determines the procedural framework for enforcement.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office today, Minister Ali Ihusaan responded to questions on whether the administration was using the death penalty as a topic for public debate to gain political support, or whether President Dr Mohamed Muizzu intended to implement it during his current term.

He said the government, particularly the President, does not seek public approval through the death penalty, adding that the state intends to implement it strictly in line with Maldivian law.

“I will highlight two things: one is that the current government, especially the president, is not someone who wishes to seek public support by executing the death penalty. We are talking about implementing the death penalty, and by the will of God, we will do so, as it is dictated by the laws of the Maldives,” he said.

He said implementation would take place according to legal requirements and not for public opinion or political gain.

The minister added that the government has addressed concerns raised by foreign parties over the past two years and has responded within its capacity. He said the Maldives maintains a clear position that national laws remain in force and will continue to be implemented by Maldivian courts until any changes are made through due legal processes.

He also said the President’s role is to uphold sentences and provisions set out in Maldivian law.

Responding to a question on the appropriateness of enforcing the death penalty while judicial reforms are being considered, the minister said the process of giving out a death sentence involves three stages and noted that decisions have so far been reached unanimously, aside from minor administrative issues.

He said the government is working to address delays in sentencing and pursue broader legal and institutional reforms to reduce the risk of wrongful enforcement.

He also acknowledged that concerns raised on the matter were valid.

The minister added that the government’s approach involves studying implementation practices both in the Maldives and abroad, particularly in other Islamic countries, and incorporating relevant legal and religious guidance.

He said the government intends to proceed with enforcement once the Supreme Court provides clarity on procedural details, including how the process should be carried out.

Last week, ten human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, urged the Maldives to withdraw death penalty legislation, repeal drug-related capital punishment provisions, maintain the moratorium, and move towards abolition, warning the proposals breach international human rights obligations under the ICCPR and UN resolutions.