Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom
As nations’ Muslim populations increase, they gradually witness their freedoms erode. Such is the case in the Maldives, where sharia has been implemented piece by piece. First came the restrictions on the sale of pork and alcohol. Then came the prohibition on non-Muslims from voting. Now, under current president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, one of the final elements of sharia will be implemented – the death penalty.
Gayoom’s version of sharia will be applied to more citizens than in other countries – the death penalty will be handed out to children as young as ten for the crime of murder. The penalty would be carried out when the accused turned 18. Seven-year-olds will be held criminally responsible for the crimes of theft, fornication, drinking, and apostasy. Yet again it would seem the thought of children engaging in sex acts crossed Muslims’ collective minds. Also, if a small child were to drink alcohol, they probably wouldn’t know what it was and should thus not be held criminally responsible. Or maybe they’re just a hardcore kindergartener. Either way, sentencing them to sharia hudud (punishment) is a completely disproportionate reaction.
Gayoom commented on the implementation of the death penalty: “murder has to be punished with murder.” So… everyone murders everyone? Makes perfect sense. Why did Gayoom insist on instating sharia? To “save Islam,” of course. Because something that punishes seven-year-olds for accidentally stumbling onto their parents’ liquor stash and sentences 10-year-olds to die is totally worth saving.
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