The government has submitted a bill to the People's Majlis to amend the Penal Code so that treason against the state of the Maldives is made a criminal offence.
The bill was submitted on behalf of the government by PNC MP for Maafannu South, Abdulla Rifau (Boche). Its first reading will take place at tomorrow's sitting of the Majlis. The amendment proposes adding a dedicated chapter to the Penal Code under the heading "Treason against the State".
Under the proposed chapter, waging war against the Maldives, joining a party that is waging war against the country, and providing assistance to an enemy of the Maldives, whether inside the Maldives or abroad, would constitute the offence of treason.
The offence is classified as a Class 1 felony, with a baseline sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum penalty that may be imposed is 25 years in prison. In addition, if a Maldivian citizen is convicted of the offence, they will be permanently barred from being appointed to any state job or post.
The bill defines an "enemy" as foreigners who commit acts that harm the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives, as well as Maldivians who take part in such acts. "Aiding an enemy" is defined as providing assistance in any form to any act that harms the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives.
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