President Muizzu Says Islamic State Ruler Cannot Withhold Execution; Government Submits Death Penalty Bill to Parliament

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has declared that it is not the right of a ruler of an Islamic state to withhold punishment for individuals who have completed legal proceedings and are subject to execution. Speaking at a press conference at the Presidential Office today, President Muizzu stated that a bill on implementing the death penalty has been submitted to the People's Majlis. The bill addresses two matters: implementing qisas (retributive justice) and carrying out the death penalty according to procedure for persons convicted of drug trafficking under the drugs law. The President explained that implementing qisas is a reason that paves the way for saving lives, distancing criminals from killing each other and harming one another, thereby ensuring security and personal safety. He cited verse 178 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which prescribes qisas in cases of murder, and argued that an Islamic state ruler cannot withhold punishment when the death penalty is necessary. The President acknowledged that there will be people opposing the implementation of the death penalty but said he does not consider it a problem for them. The bill will detail the situations in which the death penalty will be implemented, the manner of its execution, and the rights of those receiving the death penalty.