COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) -:
The United Nations human rights body has expressed concern over Maldives' decision to end a moratorium on the death penalty.
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Maldives to instead work toward abolishing executions altogether, according to a report posted Tuesday on the U.N. website.
The Indian Ocean archipelago nation last weekend introduced new regulations for the implementation of the death penalty by lethal injection.
The country is home to 300,000 people, most of whom are followers of Islam. Known for its luxurious island resorts, Maldives has been fighting increasing drug abuse and other crimes.
Local media quoted Home Minister Umar Naseer as saying that even though some countries and organizations maybe concerned about the decision, the Maldives as a "100 percent Muslim country" will go ahead with its plan.
The last execution in the country was carried out in 1953.
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Maldives to instead work toward abolishing executions altogether, according to a report posted Tuesday on the U.N. website.
The Indian Ocean archipelago nation last weekend introduced new regulations for the implementation of the death penalty by lethal injection.
The country is home to 300,000 people, most of whom are followers of Islam. Known for its luxurious island resorts, Maldives has been fighting increasing drug abuse and other crimes.
Local media quoted Home Minister Umar Naseer as saying that even though some countries and organizations maybe concerned about the decision, the Maldives as a "100 percent Muslim country" will go ahead with its plan.
The last execution in the country was carried out in 1953.
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