Bill seeks to classify damage to mosques as terrorism
The amendment was introduced on Tuesday by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim, who said incidents involving damage to mosques have become common.
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A proposal has been submitted to amend the Prevention of Terrorism Act to classify damage to mosques as an act of terrorism.
The amendment was introduced on Tuesday by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim, who said incidents involving damage to mosques have become common.
He said the change is necessary as such acts undermine the respect owed to mosques in a country that is fully Islamic.
“Although it does not make headlines every time, damage to mosques is common. This should be stopped immediately,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of the amendment, the MP noted:
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Maldives is a 100 percent Islamic country, and cases of damage to mosques occur repeatedly
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Such acts reduce the dignity of mosques
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Upholding the dignity of mosques is part of respecting Islam, and therefore actions that damage them should fall under terrorism offences
Incidents involving mosques have been reported in both Malé and the atolls. Recent cases include damage to a mosque in Malé and another in Addu.
