Maldives News

Sports Commissioner resigns

Ahmed Nasheed, known as TC Dave, made the announcement on Facebook without stating a reason. “If I have acted wrongly towards anyone in sports during my time as commissioner, I urge you not to consider that as intentional,” he wrote.

Millions spent illegally on independence celebrations

Auditors found that MVR66 million (US$4 million) was spent on the 2015 festivities without putting the projects out for tender, as required by law before awarding projects worth more than MVR1.5 million.

Education ministry schooled over finance violations

The education ministry violated public finance rules by illegally spending nearly MVR900,000 (US$58,365) and failing to collect MVR8 million (US$519,120) owed as loan repayments, according to the ministry’s audit report for 2015.

Lawmaker’s father released after arrest from opposition prayer

MP Ahmed Mahloof’s father was freed by the criminal court Saturday after he was arrested while leading the opposition’s weekly prayer.

Opposition under fire for holding rally after supporter’s death

Ibrahim Nahid was among 40 men who decided to swim three miles to an MDP campaign rally.

China-Maldives FTA among 12 agreements penned during Yameen’s visit

The opposition cried foul after the country’s first FTA was rushed through parliament last month but the government says it would open up the world’s largest consumer market for tariff-free fish exports.

High Court backs reinstatement of sacked Conrad Rangali staff

The High Court on Wednesday upheld an Employment Tribunal order for the reinstatement of 22 employees sacked from the Conrad Maldives Rangali Resort in June 2011.

Maldives condemns US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

The Maldivian government called the move “a flagrant disregard of international law which could have dire consequences”.

Basic questions about Rilwan unanswered by state, court hears

Three suspects have been charged in connection with the kidnapping of Ahmed Rilwan, who went missing three years ago.

Ex-policeman denies plotting to assassinate president

A former police officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a terrorism charge raised over alleged calls to assassinate President Abdulla Yameen.

Neighbours jealous of China-led developments, says ruling party lawmaker

“There are neighbours of ours who are jealous of the progress and development that could come to this nation because we joined China,” said the deputy parliamentary group leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives.

Well-being poll could hold clues to Maldives presidential election

A thousand people are being surveyed as part of the Gallup World Poll, which includes the Maldives for the first time, and covers a number of topics such as corruption, governance, job quality and citizen engagement.

China tells India to calm down after Maldives trade deal

The Global Times said China remained the largest source of tourists for the Maldives and that there was no “political intrigue” to the Free Trade Agreement.

President Yameen to make first state visit to China

The trip takes place from December 6 until December 9 and is at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

Damage to 60 islands after extreme weather

Heavy rainfall caused flooding on 36 islands, strong winds tore off roofs and felled trees on 18 islands, and high swells were reported from four islands, according to the National Disaster Management Centre.

Maldives downgraded to ‘fragile state’ by IMF

Drugs, deaths and tripping in the Maldives

The Maldives Independent is exploring the country’s party drug culture through interviews with users aged 16 to 25 and people who know them.

China-Maldives free trade deal rushed through parliament

The Maldives’ first bilateral free trade agreement – which commits both nations to reduce tariffs on most imported goods to zero – was rushed through hours after President Abdulla Yameen sought approval for ratification.

Two ex-PPM MPs face loss of seats

MPs Mohamed Abdulla and Hussain Shahudhy are facing the loss of seats following their expulsion from the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives.

Sri Lankan fishing boats seized

A ministry report published in October said hundreds of foreign fishing vessels were operating illegally in Maldivian seas every year.