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Umar Naseer
Umar Naseer is a prominent Maldivian politician.[2] He ran as an independent candidate in the 2023 Maldivian presidential election,[3] finishing fourth out of eight candidates.[4] He also contested the presidential elections in 2008 and 2013, albeit unsuccessfully. Mr. Naseer previously served as the Home Minister of the Maldives. During his tenure, he was known for his stringent policies on crime and his often controversial rebuttals. Naseer’s career in the Maldives Police Service ended under contentious circumstances. As a Sergeant, he was allegedly expelled for torturing a detainee during an interrogation. In an exclusive interview with Minivan News in London, Abdulla Mahir, a torture victim who gained notoriety in July 2007 after throwing an egg at President Gayoom, claimed that while in police custody, he was tortured by Umar Naseer and his team. Mahir stated that the torture left him permanently disabled.[5] Mr. Naseer has advocated for arming police officers with pistols and guns. At a ceremony marking the 82nd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service, he suggested “narrowing constitutional rights” for those arrested by the police and eliminating the requirement to present an arrested suspect before a judge within 24 hours.[1] In his 2023 presidential bid announcement, Mr. Naseer assured that his administration would implement the death penalty, which he claimed would establish peace and order across the nation. He further stated that all drug traffickers would be sentenced to death, and prisoners currently serving life sentences would be executed.[2] Advocacy for Islamic Shariah and Strict Regime Laws In addition to his other policies, Umar Naseer has been a vocal advocate for the implementation of Islamic Shariah law in the Maldives. He believes that incorporating Shariah principles into the legal system will help establish a more just and moral society. His vision includes strict adherence to Islamic laws, which he argues will bring about peace and order. He also believes football is an act of Satanism. Mr. Naseer has proposed to enforce strict Sharia law, including: Death Penalty: He has pledged to implement the death penalty for serious crimes such as murder and drug trafficking. He asserts that this will serve as a deterrent and reduce crime rates. Punishments for Drug Traffickers: Naseer has specifically mentioned that drug traffickers will face the death penalty under his administration. He believes that harsh penalties are necessary to combat the drug problem in the country. Execution of Current Death Row Inmates: He has stated that prisoners currently serving life sentences for crimes that warrant the death penalty under Shariah law will be executed. Narrowing Constitutional Rights: During his tenure as Home Minister, Naseer suggested narrowing the constitutional rights of individuals arrested by the police. This includes doing away with the requirement to present an arrested suspect before a judge within 24 hours, which he believes will allow for more effective law enforcement. Arming Police Officers: He has advocated for issuing firearms to police officers to enhance their ability to enforce the law and maintain order. Naseer’s approach reflects a desire for a more authoritarian regime, where strict laws and severe punishments are used to maintain control and order. His policies are rooted in a belief that a strong, disciplined society can only be achieved through rigorous enforcement of laws and adherence to religious principles. References
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