Three men have been detained under the newly enacted Anti-Gang Crime Law after police discovered sharp weapons in their possession, according to Criminal Court orders issued yesterday.
The suspects include two 22-year-olds, Ibrahim Zaidhaan of Ma. Morning View, Malé, and Mohamed Shidhadh of Bashimaage, L. Maabaidhoo, along with 30-year-old Ahmed Nawaz of Ma. Morning View, Malé. Court documents confirm that police submitted sufficient evidence to justify their detention, including intelligence reports, incident details, crime scene photographs, and images of two knives seized at the location.
Defense lawyers argued that the knives were not openly visible. However, the court rejected this claim, ruling that photographic evidence clearly contradicted the defense. The Criminal Court subsequently ordered Zaidan and Shidhadh to be held in custody for 15 days, while Nawaz will remain detained for 30 days pending further investigation.
A Law with Sweeping Powers
The new Anti-Gang Crime Law, which came into effect on August 26, introduces stringent measures to combat organized crime and serious offenses. It grants police broad powers, including the authority to enter private premises without a warrant, arrest suspects, and conduct searches. The law also allows courts to deny bail for serious offenses and permits authorities to restrict private meetings between suspects and lawyers for up to 48 hours after arrest.
Convictions under the law carry severe penalties, with punishments ranging from over 10 years in prison to hefty fines.
Targeting Organized Crime
The legislation was designed to establish harsher punishments for violent crimes, strengthen law enforcement’s ability to act against gangs, and ensure offenders are monitored, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into society. Authorities stress that the law aims to protect communities from escalating gang violence, a long-standing concern in the Maldives.
