Despite President's earlier assertion that legislation regarding death penalty would be submitted during current parliamentary session, AG says the bill cannot be tabled this term
Attorney General Ahmed Usham has stated that while the drafting of a special bill regarding the implementation of the death penalty is underway, it is unlikely to be submitted during the current parliamentary session. Although much of the drafting is complete, the Attorney General noted that further review of religious considerations is required, pushing the expected submission to the second session of Parliament. He reaffirmed that implementing the death penalty remains a government policy and emphasized that efforts to establish a robust legal framework for the process will continue without interruption.
From the ceremony held to appoint the Attorney General as a member of the Judicial Service Commission. | Presidents Office
Attorney General Ahmed Usham has stated that the bill required to implement the death penalty is unlikely to be submitted during the current parliamentary session, despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier pledge to do so.
President Muizzu announced on March 23, 2026, that the Attorney General’s Office is currently drafting a special bill to facilitate the implementation of the death penalty. The President emphasized that the legal framework for capital punishment must be guaranteed, noting that no specific legislation governing the practice exists to date. The President further stated on that day that the bill would be submitted to the People’s Majlis during its current session.
However, during Wednesday's press conference, the Attorney General did not include details regarding that specific bill while outlining the legislation proposed for the current parliamentary term. When questioned by RaajjeTV on the matter, Attorney General Usham stated that a robust legal framework is required to implement the death penalty, and confirmed that the Attorney General's Office is currently working on its development.
However, Usham stated that he does not believe the bill can be submitted within the current parliamentary session, as previously suggested by the President.
"We are currently in the process of drafting a special law regarding the implementation of the death penalty. As the President noted, we have been working to submit the bill during the current parliamentary session. However, I do not believe we will be able to meet that deadline now, as the current session is scheduled to conclude on the 15th of this month."Attorney General Ahmed Usham
Usham stated that he expects the bill to be submitted during the second session of the Parliament. He further noted that the majority of the drafting process for the bill has now been completed.
Furthermore, noting that there are numerous aspects to consider given the nature of the matter, Usham stated that there are also religious perspectives that must be examined. He added that work is currently underway to review these factors.
Usham stated that while international complaints inevitably arise whenever the implementation of the death penalty is discussed, the sentence must nevertheless be carried out. He further emphasized that there is no question regarding this matter.
In addition to Usham, the current Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has also stated that the necessary efforts will be undertaken to implement the death penalty in the Maldives.
