Maldives News

After building campaign hall, 40 housing ministry staff joins PPM

“I thank Minister [Dr Mohamed] Muiz very sincerely for making this jagaha so perfect. And Muiz’s talent is such that he has given courage to the housing ministry employees involved in this work to join our party,” President Abdulla Yameen said at the opening ceremony.

Anas murdered in case of mistaken identity, police reveals

The 25-year-old speedboat captain from Meedhoo was brutally murdered because he was mistaken by his assailants for a member of a rival gang.

Broad powers for proposed media regulator

If written or broadcasted content is deemed to pose a danger to Islam, national security, public order or public health, the new Maldives Media Commission can ask the police to stop publication or broadcast.

Maldives opposition seeks EU help for free and fair election in 2018

The EU delegation’s visit comes after the European Parliament adopted a resolution earlier this month urging the Maldivian authorities to reform the judiciary, release political prisoners, and to guarantee the constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly.

PPM activities funded by government, alleges opposition

According to staff at the state-owned Housing Development Cooperation, the company’s social club helped organise the final match of First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim’s women’s sports bashi tournament at the national stadium on Friday night.

2,500 trees to be cut down for Kulhudhuffushi airport

The Kulhudhuffushi council expects about 2,500 trees and plants to be cut down or removed from the island’s unique mangrove forest for the construction of an airport.

Closed hearings continue in blogger’s murder trial

The PG office spokesman said Sunday’s hearing was closed because it dealt with preliminary matters.

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