Parliament accepts Bill on Right to Silence

The Parliament has accepted the Bill on Right to Silence, which describes policies on exercising the right to silence and the right to refuse statements in Court.

Out of the 74 MPs present, 46 voted in favour of accepting the bill while 27 MPs voted against it.

MPs who spoke in favour of the bill stressed that the bill does not restrict the right to silence.

PPM’s Galolhu-south MP Ahmed Mahloof highlighted the importance of establishing these rules, at a time when criminal activity is on the rise.

He said that those who oppose the bill do so due to political differences.

Currently, the right to silence can be exercised by suspects after providing the name and address. MPs noted that according to the bill, providing fingerprints and samples for DNA tests to the Police are not included in the right to silence.

DRP’s Thulusdhoo MP Rozaina Adam said that considering the recent increase in criminal activity, it is not acceptable that suspects have the right to silence.

“Why shouldn’t they be held accountable? I don’t understand why suspects should be allowed to use the right to silence to show that they had nothing to do with the crime, in circumstances where they are obviously directly connected with the crime. So the right to silence being used by criminals to escape, poses a great danger on the rest of the people in the society,” Rozaina said.

Members of MDP Parliamentary Group opposed the bill, and described defining policies on how the right to silence can be exercised, as restricting this constitutional right.

The bill has been sent to the National Security Committee following being accepted by the Parliament, as per Parliament procedures.