Law to be formulated to criminalize ‘India Out’ campaign

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has commenced efforts to formulate a law in order to put an end to the opposition coalition’s ‘India Out’ campaign, which calls for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.

MDP’s Parliamentary Group Leader Ali Azim told Sun today that discussions were underway to submit a bill to the Parliament to allow criminal punishment against individuals acting and talking in a manner that disrupts diplomatic relations.

“We have a draft of the bill. Discussions are currently underway regarding it,” he had said.

The bill includes criminal punishments such as jail sentences and fines against individuals who act in a manner that disrupts diplomatic relations.

Azim said that as the bill is only in draft stage yet – no further information can be disclosed regarding it. He also added that it is unclear when the bill will be submitted to the parliament.

When asked whether the bill is being drafted for the purpose of putting an end to the ‘India Out’ campaign – Azim responded that it is not aimed specifically at a certain campaign, however, is drafting the bill over circumstances that has led to it.

Whilst MDP that has close ties with India has commenced efforts to draft a bill – they have a supermajority at the parliament. Therefore, a bill submitted by the party can easily be passed into law.

‘India Out’ campaign which is spearheaded by opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has been expanded across the country, with supporters graffitiing walls of their houses with messages pertaining to the campaign. The government, MDP and other political parties which belong to the government coalition strongly condemn the campaign. In this regard, the government, on multiple instances, have stressed that such a campaign would disrupt the close ties maintained with a neighboring country.

The opposition’s ‘India Out’ campaign claims that Indian military personnel being stationed in the Maldives is a threat to the country’s national security. They also claim it to be a concern of many Maldivian citizens. Opposition leader, Yameen, is a strong critique of India.

Whist MDP is drafting a bill to criminalize actions that disrupt diplomatic relations – MDP’s Leader, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed is a strong critique of China.