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MALDIVES: MP WITHDRAWS DEATH PENALTY AMENDMENT
March 21, 2011: The Maldivian MP, who proposed an amendment to the Clemency Act requiring a death penalty issued by the Supreme Court of the Maldives to be executed, has withdrawn the amendment.
The amendment, proposed by Hoarafushi MP Rasheed, who represents the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), stipulates that despite the Act stating otherwise, a death penalty issued by the Supreme Court- or if the Supreme Court upholds a death penalty issued by a lower court or the Higher Court-should be executed.
After three sittings of debate exchanged, both in favour and against, over the bill, Rasheed announced his decision in the opportunity offered to say his last words about the amendment. He, however, did not reveal the reasons behind his decision.
Before his announcement, Rasheed also repeatedly spoke in favour of the amendment saying that the death penalty should be executed.
Rasheed stressed that the bill would be re-submitted after Parliament endorses the Evidence Law and the Justice System Bill. (Sources: HNS, 21/03/2011)
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