Maldives Government Submits Bill to Criminalize Genocide and Acts Against Religious Groups

The Maldivian government on Monday submitted a bill to the People’s Majlis to amend the Penal Code, making it a criminal offence to commit acts against a specific religious group, genocide, and other related crimes. Deputy Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated that the amendments are required by the Genocide Convention, which Maldives ratified on April 24, 1984. Usham noted in a post on X that although the convention obligates signatories to enact laws to punish genocide, Maldives has failed to do so for 42 years. He said the bill aims to define genocide as a first-degree felony carrying a prison sentence of 10 to 25 years. The bill also criminalises acts against a specific religion or its followers, including killing, causing serious physical or mental harm, deliberately inflicting living conditions calculated to bring about destruction, and forcibly transferring children. Incitement to such acts is also included. Additionally, the bill covers treason, waging war against the state, aiding enemies, and acts that cause severe economic damage. It increases penalties for acts against Islam. The bill was introduced by Maafannu South MP Abdulla Rifau (Bocce). Usham emphasised that the amendments stem from international obligations, not from any specific project or criticism. The move comes amid concerns over the Rasmaale project, which involves UAE's Eagle Hills, with some fearing it would allow Israeli citizens to own property. The government previously said Israelis and Israel-linked firms would not be allowed to buy property under the project.