New Anti-terrorism bill goes to the President

The Office of Attorney General has drafted a new Anti-terrorism bill and sent to the President’s Office to be presented to the Parliament.

The Office of Attorney General said that the Anti-terrorism Law in effect since 1990 does not suit the current thinking.

The Attorney General’s Office says that special system has been included in the newly drafted Anti-terrorism bill is modern and as per international regulations to ban and stop acts of terrorism.

They said that it is an important policy of the government to protect the Maldivian people from the dangers of the changing world.

Assistant Attorney General, Ismail Visham said that bill would contain regulations of conduct for security forces and those implementing the laws during a terrorist attack.

AAG Visham said the bill categorize locals taking part in foreign wars as an act of terrorism. And there are harsh punishments for encouraging taking part in those wars, attempting to leave the country for such a cause, leaving the country, training and recruitment for such a war.

The Attorney General’s Office said that the bill was drafted in a way most suitable for the Maldivian community after reviewing Anti-terrorism laws in other democratic countries.