President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the government's resolve to enforce capital punishment, stating that Islamic Sharia must prevail in the Maldives as a 100 percent Muslim nation.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu made the remarks during a press conference held at the President's Office today. He stated that the government introduced the bill governing the imposition and implementation of the death penalty to Parliament because previous administrations either hesitated or were unable to enforce it, underscoring that fulfilling this responsibility is a fundamental obligation for an Islamic nation.

Highlighting the religious foundation for the decision, President Muizzu noted that the Holy Quran strongly underscores this imperative. He referenced verses 178 and 179 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which ordain Qisas (retribution), specifically pointing to the divine decree: "And there is for you in legal retribution [saving of] life, O you of understanding."

The government-sponsored legislation, titled the "Bill on Imposition and Implementation of Capital Punishment," was submitted to the People’s Majlis by Hanan Mohamed Naseef, Member of Parliament for the Guraidhoo constituency.

According to the bill, its primary objective is to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the sentencing and execution of the death penalty, in full conformity with the Constitution of the Maldives and recognized international principles.

The bill specifies hanging as the sole method of executing capital punishment in the Maldives. It further mandates that executions must be carried out by specially trained officers in a manner designed to minimize physical suffering and cause immediate death.