The government has announced its decision to begin implementing the death penalty in the Maldives.

This was announced by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan during a press conference held on Wednesday.

Responding to a question posed by a journalist regarding the government’s stand on implementing the death penalty, Minister Ihusan revealed that efforts are underway to look into the necessary preparations and arrangements that require attention, before enforcing the death penalty.

Ihusan affirmed that the government would implement the death penalty, after the required investigations conclude.

He further stated that this would be done in accordance with the law.

The minister did not disclose further details or reveal an exact date the government will begin implementing the death penalty.

Following Ihusan’s comment, some of the top figures in the country’s political sphere have been remarking that the implementation of the death penalty requires thorough examination, regarding multiple factors.

They have also expressed concern that it was being projected as a major national initiative.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has slammed the decision over a social media post.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Gayoom expressed that he does not believe that the implementation of death penalty is a significant goal for national development.

The last time a death penalty was implemented in the Maldives was back in 1953, during the reign of Sumuvvul Ameer Mohamed Amin.

Rules for the implementation of death penalty were compiled during the administration of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom as well. Although it was decided to enforce death penalties by hanging or by lethal injection, it was not enforced by the Yameen administration due to legal hurdles.