Hate Crimes Bill does not target any groups, assures president

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih assures that the amendment proposed to the Maldives Penal Code seeking to include a number of hate crimes including labelling a Muslim as “laadheenee” does not target any groups.

The president gave the assurance during a press conference held on Tuesday evening, where he was questioned on the recent amendment proposed by the government.

Noting that such hate crimes could lead to violence and physical harm, Solih said that the main purpose of the amendment bill is to take all steps to ensure that it does not reach to this point. He said that the amendment does not obstruct freedom of speech or expression.

The government proposed amendment bill was proposed by Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Hisaan Hussan, and the first reading of the bill was held on May 31.

It was met with mixed emotions on social media, with some saying that the purpose of the bill is to target certain groups.

Denying this, President Solih said that the bill will be finalized by the People’s Majlis only after opening up for public opinion.

Noting that the government does not have any intention to deprive the people of their rights, Solih stressed that an opinion expressed should not incite hatred or intolerance of others.

The list of hate crimes specified in the proposed bill have been classified as Class 1 felonies. They include accusing a person of having violated Islam, being against the religion of Islam publicly, and using the Islamic faith to foster hatred against a specific person. In addition to this, accusing, labelling, or taking part in describing a Muslim as a non-Muslim or "laadheenee" are also listed as hate crimes under the proposed bill.

It also criminalizes encouraging or participating in violence committed against Muslims labelled as “laadheenee", as well as committing physical violence, attempting to commit physical violence or encouraging physical violence against a person based on their race, nationality or skin color.