Implementation of the Penal Code postponed by three months

The parliament has passed to postpone the implement of the new penal code by three months.

The parliament passed the notion by 43 votes. Only one member, the MP for the Makunudhoo constituens, Anaara Naeem voted against the postponing. The MDP members did not take part in today’s voting.

According to the new penal code ratified by President Abdulla Yamin Abdul Gayoom on 13 April 2014, the new penal code would be implemented one year from ratification, which is tomorrow.

All of the members, except two who took part in the Security Council meeting to research the amendments to the penal code voted to postpone the implementation.

The MP for the Gemanafushi constituents, Jameel Usman, who is on the National Security Council told Sun Media that the objective of the Penal Code is not to arrest specific people and the people needs to be given the opportunity to be familiar with the penal code. Jameel said that it would be an injustice to punish the people without the proper knowledge of the penal code.

While the postponing of the penal code was passed by the parliament today, Jamiyyathusalaf said that the new penal code is against the Islamic Shariah. Jamiyyathusalaf issued a press release saying that the new penal code is made after abandoning one of the most important origin of the religion, the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.A.W).

The former Deputy Prosecutor General, Hussain Shameemu who has been charged by the government to familiarize the new penal code to the state institute and the general public said that no added time is needed for the people to get familiarize with the new penal code and they are ready.