Maldives Correctional Services has stated that the Service has begun preparations for implementing the death penalty verdict issued on Hussain Humam of H. Lobby for the murder of late Parliamentarian Dr. Afrasheem Ali.
Speaking to Avas the Service's Media Coordinator Ahmed Luqman said the Service will implement the death penalty as soon as possible. He said all preparations were underway but did not give a date on which the death penalty will be implemented.
"We have begun to complete all related procedures. We are trying to implement the verdict as said without delay," Luqman said.
When questioned about Afrasheem's next of kin's wishes not to implement the death penalty just yet, Luqman said that all related procedures to the death penalty will be observed and completed. He added that he will be able to give a full statement once all procedures are completed.
While the Supreme Court had upheld the verdict, the Government had decreed the verdict will be implemented. Former Home Minister Umar Naseer said death penalty will be carried out by hanging and that a regulation had been drawn up. He also said the Government will implement the death penalty within a month, however, the regulation has not been put up on the gazette.
Following the verdict many parties had increased pressure on the Government not to implement the death penalty. The death penalty was last carried out 60 years ago.
