MDP submits bill to reduce prison sentence of one year for refusal to provide urine sample

A parliamentary group member of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted a bill to the parliament to reduce the one year prison sentence prescribed in the Drug Act, for refusal to comply with a police officer’s request to provide a urine sample.

The bill, submitted by Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Eesa, proposes to reduce the sentence to a prison sentence of 15 days, house arrest of one month, or a fine of MVR 12,000.

If this bill is passed by the parliament, it will replace Article 123 (b) of the Drug Act, and make the maximum sentence for refusing to provide urine samples a prison sentence of 15 years.

Eesa stated three reasons for filing this bill. He said that institutions responsible for implementing the law have started misusing this Article in the Drug Act, that this Article contradicts the purpose of this Drug Act introduced in 2011, and that a one year prison sentence for refusing to provide urine samples is an ‘extreme’ punishment.

Meanwhile, MDP parliamentary group members, Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir and Henveiru-South MP Hamid Abdul Gafoor have been charged by the State for refusing to provide urine samples after they were arrested on suspicion of alcohol consumption in Haa Dhaalu Hondaidhoo last year.

Medhu-Henveiru MP Ali Azim, following his recent arrested during an MDP protest, has also refused to provide a urine sample.