Islamic University’s Vice Chancellor and former Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that any Judge who had issued an unjust verdict for personal gain will be punished, as ruling justly and free from personal bias has been mandated.
He made the statement in response to the criticisms issued by Dr. Tariq Ramadan on the judiciary.
Dr. Shaheem said that it was apparent from Ramadan’s statements that he had not taken time to review what is said over death penalty in the Maldivian laws.
Dr. Shaheem said that taking qisas is an established fact in Islamic shariah, and that implementing death penalty, paying blood money were established facets in Islam.
He said that death penalty can only be implemented when the accusations had been proven beyond reasonable doubt and only after completing the three judicial processes. Dr. Shaheem said the laws on implementing death penalty had been set based on Islamic shariah principles.
“The next of kin will have full rights to express their views. The law mandates that the agencies have to seek the statements of next of kin,”
Dr. Shaheem further stated that if the next of kin were not of age, implementation has to be delayed until the minor reaches of age and can soundly express his opinions. He said that this was mandated in the law.
“Based on the laws, Supreme Court has to be informed of the opinions of the next of kin. Even if one of the next of kin chooses to spare the life, then death penalty cannot be implemented. If the murderer is sick, then implementation must be delayed. Islamic Ministry will be an impartial mediator in the case between the next of kin and murderer,”
Dr.Shaheem said that the power to decide on the death penalty is at the discretion of the next of kin. As such the next of kin had the last word on the issue. The death penalty law and regulations were drawn up to include all these aspects. He said death penalty cannot be implemented even if the Supreme Court hands out the verdict, as all judicial aspects must be completed, to ensure impartiality.
Unjust verdicts for personal gain will be punished: Dr. Shaheem
