Maldives News

Judge hears record 153 cases in one day

Civil Court Judge Mohamed Haleem scheduled a record 160 cases Thursday, heard 153 cases and delivered judgments in 66 cases.

Environmentalists cry foul as Kulhudhuffushi airport project begins

Work began Saturday on a “bund wall” to mark a boundary for dredging and reclaiming the northern island’s environmentally sensitive wetland area after fast-tracked environmental regulatory processes.

Funds released to political parties

Tribunal upholds dismissal of airport staff over Facebook post

Ismail Sivaan, a driver at the Maldives Airports Company Ltd, was sacked in May for sharing a prayer on Facebook for the end of President Abdulla Yameen’s administration.

Suspension lifted for eight lawyers

Of the 54 lawyers who were suspended in August for signing a petition calling for judicial reform, 17 are still barred from appearing in court.

Hajj and Umrah visas for Saudi Airline travellers only

The embassy informed travel agencies Wednesday that visas would only be issued for Saudi Airline passengers.

State prosecutors object to MP Faris trial delay

State prosecutor Aishath Mohamed says if the trial was delayed it would be difficult for the state to summon a witness and that it was Faris’ interest against society’s interest.

Majlis approves supplementary budget

The supplementary budget was passed with 39 votes exclusively from ruling coalition lawmakers in the 85-member house after opposition lawmakers boycotted the sitting.

Special ops disperse Kulhudhuffushi protest

The demonstrators gathered outside the ministry with placards, demanding an urgent meeting as plans to raze the mangroves are thought to start on October 30.

Opposition in talks over non-politician for presidential candidate

Ruling party MP Ahmed Nihan tweeted the opposition’s unity candidate would be the former Elections Commission president Fuwad Thowfeek.

Yameen urges voters to choose ‘development over obstruction’

“There are two ideologies in the Maldives now, that is do we opt for the path of development that would take the Maldives to the tallest heights that we want, or do we remain forever at the crossroads,” Yameen said.

Anti-terror fight under fire after ambassador’s remarks

The National Counter Terrorism Center is not functioning and has failed to respond to requests regarding safeguarding major tourist infrastructure against possible terrorist attacks, says an official from a private security company.

More MoniCon orders granted as police stay quiet on tagging

Police ask the High Court for a MoniCon order once a Home Ministry committee has approved the individuals to be monitored and controlled

Court orders removal of opposition banners ahead of Yameen visit

A warrant issued by the Raa Inguraidhoo magistrate court authorised the police to confiscate “banners, loudspeakers and sound systems” on suspicion that people are planning to “gather and create discord” during the official visit.

EPA yet to see impact assessment for Kulhudhufushi airport

The government’s plans to begin dredging the environmentally sensitive wetland area in November has sparked an outcry from islanders and environmentalists.

Finance minister submits US$32m supplementary budget for 2017

The new spending plans for the last two months of the year include MVR330 million for the Aasandha health insurance scheme and MVR26 million to hold seven parliamentary by-elections.

EIA warns of lasting damage from reclaiming Kulhudhufushi mangrove

The “considerable negative impacts on the environment” include the permanent loss of habitat for the flora and fauna, loss of terrestrial vegetation and deforestation, and the effect on marine life due to sedimentation.

Government proposes new media regulatory body

A ruling party lawmaker has proposed legislation for the creation of a new media regulatory body after dissolving the existing broadcasting commission and media council.

MP Didi’s new lawyer gets two weeks to prepare for terrorism trial

The retired brigadier general’s trial has been stalled since August after his first lawyer was suspended over a judicial reform petition. A second lawyer withdrew from the case earlier this month for personal reasons.

FDA warning after Hep A berry scare

The FDA said Creative Gourmet’s 300 gram frozen berries packet was recalled by food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand as they were possibly contaminated with Hepatitis A.