President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated legislative changes are needed to effectively tackle the issues of terrorism and religious extremism in the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held on June 29, President Solih noted acts of terrorism and gang violence have been long standing issues which have been difficult to resolve. Noting legislative changes are needed to effectively tackle the issue, the president highlighted the amendments required to the Anti-Terrorism Act on the remand of suspects for investigation. He revealed the government had proposed an amendment bill to the Anti-Terrorism Act in October 2019, although all the amendments requested by investigative authorities were not brought due to various reasons. However, he said another bill has been submitted to the Parliament of the Maldives to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act as per the counsel of investigative bodies.
The government has stepped up efforts against terrorism since the May 6 terrorist attack against Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. As such, security forces have conducted multiple anti-terrorism operations, arresting several suspects.