Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed stated Wednesday that he does not wish to see religious NGO 'Jamiyyath Salaf' banned under any circumstances.
Nasheed made these remarks after passing the motion to take immediate action against anyone who committed a criminal offence in association to the murder of former religious scholar and parliamentarian Dr. Afrasheem Ali. This includes taking action against Jamiyyath Salaf.
Speaking at Wednesday's parliament sitting, Nasheed said he had already gave his opinion on the issue at a previous sitting, further revealing that he does not which for the NGO to be banned.
According to his previous statements, Jamiyyath Salaf was established and registered during Nasheed's administration. Nasheed said former presidents and political figures had advised against allowing the organization to be registered.
However, it was revealed on social media that the organization was registered in 2006 during former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom's rule.
At Wednesday's assembly, Nasheed said it would not be in the citizen's best interests if any association supports and encourages murder, and sending people abroad to join foreign wars. Although he does not personally wish to see Salaf being banned, the decision has already been made by the parliament to take action against the organization, said Nasheed.
"I recommended immediate action towards Jamiyyath Salaf in order to take action against those from the organization that are committing the offenses of the sort," said Nasheed.
According to the report compiled on the murder of Dr. Afrasheem Ali by Presidential Commission on Murders and Enforced Disappearances, his death was orchestrated by an extremist organization. Jamiyyath Salaf was noted to have been involved in certain events connected to the murder.
However, Dr. Afrasheem's family have rejected the contents of the report due to certain discrepancies. The President of the Commission Husnu-al-Suood has insisted on its validity stating that evidence is clearly mentioned in the report.
