Maldives News

New runway construction begins at Maldives international airport

The 80mm AC25 asphalt concrete surface is expected to be completed within a month, according to the state-owned Maldives Airports Company Ltd.

Detainees stage hunger strike in Dhoonidhoo

About 50 people detained under state of emergency powers at the police detention centre on Dhoonidhoo have started a hunger strike, according to lawyers and the joint opposition parties.

Tourist numbers jump 19 percent in February

According to statistics, 144,286 tourists visited during February, up 19.2 percent from the same month last year.

Ministry threatens fishing licence loss over protest

The Fisheries Ministry warned it would take strict action against vessels participating in bringing people to the capital for “unlawful gatherings.”

Maldives tells India to stay away from crisis

Ministers briefed foreign media to reassure them about the situation and stress the normality of life outside Malé, which has borne the brunt of the turmoil since last month’s shock Supreme Court ruling and state of emergency declaration.

One human rights complaint a day in 2017

The most common complaint involved alleged abuses in prisons, with 76 cases about the rights of inmates and 69 health-related complaints from inmates.

Anti-defection bill ratified

The sign-off means a dozen ex-ruling party MPs, who were already previously contentiously disqualified, have lost their seats in parliament.

End witch hunt of opposition, says Nasheed

Dozens of people have been arrested since a state of emergency was declared last month, including former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and two Supreme Court judges, with authorities alleging there was a plot to overthrow the government.

Pro-government journalist gets green light to join Broadcom

The seven-member MBC is an independent body, but has been criticised for favouring President Abdulla Yameen’s administration.

Detained chief justice’s lawyer finds secret recorder during meeting

Hisaan Hussain accused police of planting a device under her chair to record a private meeting with her detained client.

Maldives riot police used ‘disproportionate force’

Some police officers caused injuries to civilians and reporters and resorted to pepper spraying protesters in violation of rules on the use of less-lethal weapons, the Human Rights Commission of Maldives found from its field monitoring.

Islamic ministry admits Rohingya fund yet to reach refugees

“Administrative matters” have been completed and the money will be sent over as soon as possible, the ministry said.

Parliament approves legal changes punishing lawmakers and judges

Schools to axe single use plastics by April

Single use plastics or disposable plastics are items like plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, plastic bottles and food packaging that are used once and thrown away.

Key witness retracts bribery allegation against Faris

The prosecution’s key witness in MP Faris Maumoon’s bribery trial told the court on Monday that he did not take or ask for any money to back the opposition’s bid to impeach the parliament speaker.

Islamic ministry unable to account for US$1m Rohingya fund

Islamic ministry officials are unable to confirm if MVR18 million (US$1 million) raised for Rohingya Muslims refugees was handed over to the Bangladesh Red Crescent, newspaper Mihaaru reported Monday.

February tax receipts jump by almost 20 percent

The revenue statistics for last month records a total revenue of MVR1.3 billion (US$82.96 million).

Government had secret talks with Nasheed

Discussions were kept confidential, as requested by former president Mohamed Nasheed, but the minister said the government was forced to go public after the opposition violated an agreement and began discrediting the administration.

Immigration denies holding back visas for Indians

Personnel officers in Maldivian companies said they have been waiting on business visas for Indian workers for almost two weeks, a process which normally takes up to three working days.

Gayoom accused of destroying evidence as lawyers allege ‘mental harm’

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was questioned for the first time on Saturday, 33 days after his arrest.