Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations has approved amendments to Anti-terrorism Act proposed by the Government of Maldives.
Speaking at a committee meeting, chair of the committee Ibrahim Shareef explained the amendments were brought after considering the current situation of the nation. Shareef said suggestions from authorities, other MPs and the public were sought before the amendments were made. He explained the bill authorizes Maldives Police Services (MPS) to detain a suspect accused of terrorism only for 24 hours.
The government proposed to amend the bill to authorize MPS to detain a suspect under custody for 48 hours before presenting in front of a judge. The bill also requests a reporting mechanism where the respective minister submits reports to the president and parliament speaker and the committee every 6 month.
Shareef highlighted the support of all relevant authorities in drafting the amendments. He further applauded the commitment the committee members displayed in attending the meetings during recess without leave.
The government proposed the amendments due to legal challenges faced by the Presidential Commission on Murders and Enforced Disappearances in apprehending the suspects and conclude investigations in probe of journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla's murder case.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih earlier acknowledged the challenges the commission faces in investigating its cases. He has announced the decision to amend Anti-terrorism Act and Criminal Procedures Act to remove legal challenges in investigations.