New Anti-Gang Crime Legislation Moves to Committee for Review

The Parliament has accepted a new anti-gang crime bill proposed by the government, aiming to replace the existing Anti-Gang Crime Act. 

The bill, sponsored by South Machangolhi MP Mustafa Hussain, was unanimously approved with 42 votes this morning and has been sent to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

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According to Mustafa, the primary objective of the legislation is to protect communities from gang-related and other major crimes that instil fear in society. The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legislative framework and strengthen law enforceme nt measures to combat such offences effectively.

The key objectives outlined in the bill include:

• Defining penalties for major organised crimes and other dangerous offences.
• Granting additional powers to law enforcement agencies to tackle organised and dangerous crimes.
• Developing policies to rehabilitate offenders, reintegrating them into society to prevent repeat offences.
• Implementing special monitoring policies for known criminals.

The bill defines major organised crimes as crimes committed by an organised criminal group. These crimes include drug trafficking, human trafficking, trading in smuggled goods, and counterfeiting currency. 

The bill also categorises dangerous crimes such as murder, assault, grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, and intimidation as major organised crimes. Violent crimes that carry a prison sentence of more than ten years are also included in this category.