Bill to Protect All Religions Removed from Parliament Agenda Again

A bill that would criminalize incitement against any religion and impose severe penalties, including up to 25 years in prison for genocide-related offences, has been removed from the agenda of the People's Majlis for the second time. The bill, introduced by Maafannu Dhekunu MP Abdulla Rifau (Bochey) of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), was first scheduled for its first reading on October 27 but was removed overnight. It was then re-agended for the following day, only to be taken off again. The government says the bill is needed to comply with international conventions on genocide that the Maldives has signed. However, critics argue that the wording is so broad it could be used to suppress opposition to Israel's policies and silence pro-Palestinian activism in the Maldives. The bill defines direct and public incitement to commit genocide as a first-degree felony, carrying a prison sentence of 10 to 25 years. Even orders from a superior or legal authorisation would not be a defence. The repeated removal from the agenda has raised questions over the government's commitment to the legislation.