Global Rights Groups to Maldives: Reject Death Penalty for Drug Crimes, Abolish It Forever

Nine international human rights organizations called on the Maldives government to withdraw a proposal to impose the death penalty for drug trafficking, warning it breaches international law. The joint statement on 13 August 2025 expressed concern over President Muizzu's 30 July directive. The bill, introduced in December 2024, is under review. The groups noted that more than two-thirds of countries have abolished the death penalty and that drug crimes do not qualify as 'most serious crimes' under ICCPR. They urged Maldives to maintain its moratorium on executions since 1954 and abolish capital punishment.

Nine international human rights organizations called on the Maldives government to withdraw a proposal to impose the death penalty for drug trafficking, warning it breaches international law. The joint statement on 13 August 2025 expressed concern over President Muizzu's 30 July directive. The bill, introduced in December 2024, is under review. The groups noted that more than two-thirds of countries have abolished the death penalty and that drug crimes do not qualify as 'most serious crimes' under ICCPR. They urged Maldives to maintain its moratorium on executions since 1954 and abolish capital punishment.

Nine international human rights organizations called on the Maldives government to withdraw a proposal to impose the death penalty for drug trafficking, warning it breaches international law. The joint statement on 13 August 2025 expressed concern over President Muizzu's 30 July directive. The bill, introduced in December 2024, is under review. The groups noted that more than two-thirds of countries have abolished the death penalty and that drug crimes do not qualify as 'most serious crimes' under ICCPR. They urged Maldives to maintain its moratorium on executions since 1954 and abolish capital punishment.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of crime / politics.