No amnesty for gang crimes with new law, PGO says
The PGO emphasised that the Act is designed to strengthen enforcement against organised crime while limiting opportunities for misuse of authority.
Top Stories
-
Pres says death penalty will deter drug smuggling in Maldives
-
Serious crime suspects can't be released 'in 5 mins': President
-
Police identify 5 arrested in Addu in major drug network bust
-
Govt may allow return of 1-bedroom flats for reapplication: Pres
-
President says many public requests addressed, more under review
The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has stated that the Gang Crime Prevention Act, which will take effect later this month, removes amnesty and mitigation for offences such as murder, kidnapping, and intimidation, ensuring full penalties are applied to offenders.
President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes Act on 25 May. The law introduces life imprisonment and fines of up to MVR 10 million for murder and gang-related offences. It also grants authorities broader powers to dismantle organised criminal groups.
Key Changes in the Law
PGO officials explained that the most significant change is the removal of existing provisions for pardons, parole, and commutation for serious crimes committed by organised groups.
-
Offenders convicted of specified offences cannot have their sentences reduced through parole or presidential pardons.
-
Courts will no longer be permitted to impose lighter punishments than those set out by the state under plea agreements.
-
Forming or operating an organised crime group is, in itself, now a criminal offence that cannot be pardoned or commuted.
The five offences explicitly excluded from commutation under the Act are:
-
Murder
-
Dangerous assault
-
Causing serious physical injury
-
Threats
-
Kidnapping
Under current law, pardons can be granted to those convicted of murder. These provisions will be repealed once the new Act comes into effect.
Addressing Gaps in Existing Legislation
Officials noted that the current Prohibition of Intimidation and Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects Act, in force since 2010, is no longer adequate to address evolving methods of organised crime.
The PGO highlighted that intimidation is increasingly carried out without weapons, a tactic not fully covered under existing laws. The new Act criminalises intimidation, attempted intimidation, and aiding or abetting such acts, including those directed at witnesses.
Focus on Protection of Children
The Act also includes measures aimed at preventing the involvement of children in organised crime. Officials said that some criminal groups have been systematically recruiting children from different islands, and the new provisions are intended to curb this practice.
Additionally, it will now be an offence to sell knives to children for any purpose. Shops and individuals will be held accountable under the law, with no defence available for negligence in such sales.
The PGO emphasised that the Act is designed to strengthen enforcement against organised crime while limiting opportunities for misuse of authority by law enforcement.
