Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the current administration will not exploit and misuse Anti-Terrorism Act, although the amendments grant more power to the authorities.
Minister Imran remarked the decision to pass the motion is an indicator of the achievement in the battle against terrorism. In a tweet, he also assured the government would never abuse the act.
The pubic raised concerns with the amendments as various politicians including former President Mohamed Nasheed and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom were charged under the act in the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
The bill authorises Maldives Police Services (MPS) to detain a suspect accused of terrorism only for 24 hours, although the government proposed a duration of 48 hours. 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.
The parliament passed the amendments on Monday.