Govt proposes criminalising genocide and acts threatening economic security

The government has submitted amendments to the Maldives Penal Code seeking to criminalise genocide, acts threatening the country's economic security and certain forms of treason.

The bill also proposes increased penalties for offences against Islam and would prohibit individuals convicted of the proposed offences from holding public office.

The amendment was submitted to Parliament on behalf of the government by Maafannu South MP Abdulla Rifau of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).

The proposed legislation introduces a separate chapter covering acts that threaten the state's economic security and constitute treason.

Under the proposed provisions, deliberately carrying out an act that could cause substantial damage to the national economy, either with knowledge of the potential consequences or with reckless disregard for them, would constitute a criminal offence.

The bill identifies several categories of conduct that could fall within these provisions, including damaging infrastructure or computer systems connected to essential facilities.

It also proposes criminalising the disruption of essential services or interference with systems used to provide those services.

Other offences would include taking action to halt operations in a major sector that generates revenue for the state, resulting in substantial damage to the national economy.

The proposed provisions on treason would criminalise assisting individuals or groups engaged in warfare against the Maldives, whether the assistance is provided within the country or abroad.

The bill also proposes introducing a chapter on genocide into the Penal Code, with the stated objective of bringing domestic legislation into line with the international convention on the prevention and punishment of genocide, to which the Maldives is a party.

Under the proposed provisions, acts committed against groups identified by nationality, ethnicity, race or religion would constitute genocide if they meet the relevant legal requirements.

The offences outlined in the bill include killing members of such groups and causing them serious physical or psychological harm.

The proposed legislation would also criminalise deliberately subjecting members of these groups to living conditions intended to bring about the physical destruction of all or a substantial part of the group.

Other prohibited acts would include imposing measures intended to prevent births within a group and forcibly transferring children from one group to another.

The bill also seeks to make publicly and directly inciting others to commit genocide a criminal offence.

According to the proposed amendment, these provisions are intended to establish genocide as a criminal offence under Maldivian law in accordance with the country's international obligations.

In addition to the proposed offences relating to economic security, treason and genocide, the bill includes provisions to increase penalties for acts against Islam.

The proposed legislation would also introduce restrictions on individuals convicted of the offences covered by the amendment.

Under the bill, a person convicted of any of the specified offences would be barred from appointment to any government employment or public office, in addition to the punishment prescribed for the offence.

The proposed changes would take effect only if the bill is approved by Parliament and ratified into law.