A Security Services Committee will determine gangs and gang leaders

The amendments proposed by the government to the Prohibition of Gang Violence Act now states that a committee including the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Police officials and MNDF officials will be granted the authority to determine gangs, their members and leaders.

As the Act stands now, it is the Courts that determine this once the State submits a case. As of yet, no persons have been declared gang members or leaders, or given the penalties outlined in the Act. This is because there are legal obstacles in proving that the group the person is associated with generally engages in gang related activities.

The bill, drafted by the Home Ministry, states that gangs, gang members and leaders will be determined by a five member committee made up of the Minister overseeing the Police Service, Commissioner of Police, Chief of Defence Force, Police Intelligence Head and MNDF Intelligence Head.

The Home Minister will appoint persons to manage the administrative work of this committee.

The bill states that once these gangs, gang members and leaders are identified, it is prohibited to conduct transactions with such persons or to register sports clubs under their name.

It also states that photos and details of those individuals must be released publicly so as to inform who they are to the public and law enforcement authorities in countries with diplomatic relations with Maldives.

The compiled list must be shared with relevant State authorities, law enforcement authorities in countries with diplomatic relations with Maldives, and revised every six months.

Names, or part of names, of any identified gangs cannot be registered as names of any legal entities, the bill said, stipulating that in order to facilitate this, the Commissioner of Police must share updated names of gangs with all concerned State institutions.

The bill goes on to state that if any person identified to be a member of a gang is serving in a State position, they must be immediately dismissed. Such persons should not be granted any jobs of the State and cannot run for any elected positions.

The bill outlines strict actions that are to be taken to deter gang activities in the country.

Some characteristics of a gang as defined in the article are;

- Painting of graffiti or symbols suggesting ownership of a specific area, with members generally congregating at this area

- Confession of being a member of a gang

- Bearing tattoos or symbols depicting a gang

- Receiving any financial benefit from a gang leader or member

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has been tasked with many actions to combat gang related activities as deterring gang crimes is a major priority of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.