Issues in judicial system are obstacles to implementing death penalty for murder: Dr Jameel

Vice presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has said that the obstacles to implement the death penalty for murder are due to issues within the judicial system.

Dr Jameel made his statements on the presidential debate show hosted by the State broadcaster Television Maldives (TVM) and The Maldives National Univestiry (MNU) last night.

However, Dr Jameel contradicted himself when he answered to a question on implementing the penalties of Islamic Sharia, to which he had said that he does not believe that there is any obstacles to implementing the death penalty for murder.

“The severe penalties in Islamic Sharia for larg crimes, for example, amputation for thievery, death penalty for murder and carrying out the wishes of the family of the deceased, the people are relentlessly asking for these [penalties]. But what are the obstacles to implementing these [penalties]?” Dr Jameel said.

He continued; “How can we remove the obstacles to implantation? How, and what are the obstacles?” and said that issues in the country’s young judicial system need to be addressed.

He noted that the country’s criminal procedure and criminal justice systems need crucial changes.

Maldives has recently seen protests and demonstrations calling for the implantation of death penalty, especially for murder.