Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has announced that the government’s proposed amendments to the Gang Act and Drugs Act aim to tackle repeat offenses and enhance public safety by more effectively deterring crime.
Following the recent rescue of a man who was reportedly kidnapped by a gang and held in a shelter flat in Hulhumalé Phase II, Ihusaan addressed the media, emphasizing that current laws have prioritized mainly offender protection. This approach, he stated, has allowed repeat offenders to avoid long-term consequences and re-enter society with relative ease, hindering efforts to curb criminal activity.
“When these laws were initially designed, they focused heavily on protecting offenders. However, little was done to prevent crime and keep individuals out of criminal environments,” Ihusaan explained.
He continued that the proposed amendments will provide a foundation to address this gap, marking a significant step toward a safer Maldives. Ihusaan emphasized that the revised laws would strengthen enforcement capabilities, enabling the authorities to retain repeat offenders under stricter penalties and improving the overall effectiveness of law enforcement.
While he acknowledged that law enforcement agencies, including the police, are equipped with the necessary resources, Ihusaan expressed concern that the current legal framework limits their effectiveness in handling repeat offenders. He highlighted the importance of balancing human rights with public safety to prevent habitual offenders from bypassing adequate legal consequences through minor administrative loopholes.
“While human rights protections are vital, they must be balanced with public safety. Repeat offenders are frequently released due to lenient provisions. We aim to change this dynamic through these amendments, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to a more secure society,” he stated.
Ihusaan noted that these legislative changes reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing rule of law and public security, moving towards a criminal justice system that protects citizens while upholding fair legal standards.
Following the recent rescue of a man who was reportedly kidnapped by a gang and held in a shelter flat in Hulhumalé Phase II, Ihusaan addressed the media, emphasizing that current laws have prioritized mainly offender protection. This approach, he stated, has allowed repeat offenders to avoid long-term consequences and re-enter society with relative ease, hindering efforts to curb criminal activity.
“When these laws were initially designed, they focused heavily on protecting offenders. However, little was done to prevent crime and keep individuals out of criminal environments,” Ihusaan explained.
He continued that the proposed amendments will provide a foundation to address this gap, marking a significant step toward a safer Maldives. Ihusaan emphasized that the revised laws would strengthen enforcement capabilities, enabling the authorities to retain repeat offenders under stricter penalties and improving the overall effectiveness of law enforcement.
While he acknowledged that law enforcement agencies, including the police, are equipped with the necessary resources, Ihusaan expressed concern that the current legal framework limits their effectiveness in handling repeat offenders. He highlighted the importance of balancing human rights with public safety to prevent habitual offenders from bypassing adequate legal consequences through minor administrative loopholes.
“While human rights protections are vital, they must be balanced with public safety. Repeat offenders are frequently released due to lenient provisions. We aim to change this dynamic through these amendments, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to a more secure society,” he stated.
Ihusaan noted that these legislative changes reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing rule of law and public security, moving towards a criminal justice system that protects citizens while upholding fair legal standards.
