A government bill to amend the Penal Code includes provisions that would criminalise direct and public incitement to action against a group based on nationality, race or religion.
The legislation, submitted by PNC MP Abdulla Rifau, is officially framed as establishing genocide as a criminal offence in line with international conventions. However, observers note that the wording could be applied to restrict activism against particular groups.
Under the draft, an act of genocide would be a first-degree felony carrying 10 to 25 years, while public incitement would be a second-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years. The bill states that no exemption applies even if the act is ordered by a leader or permitted by law.
The proposal has drawn criticism from opposition figures who link it to the Rasmale’ deal with Eagle Hills. Former Vice-President Mohamed Jameel Ahmed described the amendments as advancing a specific agenda and warned they could limit discussion of the project’s implications for the country’s religious character.
The government has rejected such characterisations, saying the changes strengthen legal protections against serious international crimes. The bill has been listed on the parliamentary agenda more than once and remains under discussion.
