Parliament session heats up as death penalty related questions dismissed

The Parliament session on Monday heated up after Speaker Mohamed Nasheed did not allow members to question Minister of Home Affairs Shaikh Imran Abdulla regarding enforcing the death penalty in Maldives.

During the session, representative of Mahibadhoo constituency MP Ahmed Thoriq questioned the Home Minister inquiring about the government’s stance on enforcing the death sentence for those who meet all the eligibility criteria.

After Imran responded to this, Speaker Nasheed who was presiding did not grant further opportunity to ask questions to MP Thoriq.

Meanwhile, MP Thoriq attempted to ask a second question, which was about enforcing the death penalty for those involved in the brutal murder of former Ungoofaaru MP Dr Afrasheem Ali.

However, before he was able to finish, the speaker interrupted stating that the question was not related to today’s topic, and proceeded to grant another member the opportunity to speak.

In addition to Mp Thoriq, MP for Kaashidhoo Abdulla Jabir also raised a question about the death sentence. He also asked whether the Maldivian courts will be able to enforce the death sentence in a manner that provides justice.

This question was also rejected, saying that it too, was not relevant to the topic.

Due to this, MP Jabir expressed displeasure and processed to create commotion within the Parliament.

Meanwhile, as the situation within the Parliament floor started to escalate, MP for Central Henveyru Ali Azim requested the Speaker to listen and consider the question a second time.

But even after MP Jabir repeated his question, Nasheed maintained his stance and said that it was not relevant to the topic, and once again granted another MP the chance to speak.

The situation further heated and with MP Thoriq raising procedural issues. He also expressed vexation stating that other members who asked unrelated questions were granted the chance to speak.

Following this, opposition members raised their voices and directed harsh criticism at Nasheed and Minister Imran.

 Ultimately, due to the situation, the Speaker decided to stop questioning of the Home Minister.