Maldives News

‘Hahdhu’ film touches upon controversial issues in the Maldives

Flogging. Pre-marital sex. Suicide. Maverick film-maker Abdul Faththaah’s latest flick touches on taboo subjects in the Maldives.

Housing minister departs for China for bridge beams

Muiz told reporters at the airport that he would “watch the fabrication work at the factory, seek detailed information, meet with engineers, and see how the work is going.”

Rising European tourist numbers offset dwindling Chinese market

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives increased by 5.9 percent as traditional European markets offset a decline in Chinese holidaymakers.

Almost 100 expats detained for screening

Nadheem murdered as part of ‘revenge’ killing: police

Chief Station Inspector Mohamed Samih told the press that the 24-year-old’s murder was part of a series of killings and as “revenge stemming from a feud between two groups.”

Maldives downplays UK warning of ‘very likely’ terror attack

Playing down the United Kingdom’s updated travel advice to the country which said terrorists were “very likely” to carry out an attack, the ambassador to the UK stressed the tropical paradise “remains one of the safest destinations in the world”.

Short films aim for big change

Maldivian-made films on mental health, gender equality and plastic pollution will debut on social media Wednesday following a joint project between a United Nations body and telecoms firm Dhiraagu.

Security forces descend on Villigili for Yameen visit

Hundreds of police and soldiers descended on Gaafu Alif atoll Villingili ahead of a visit from President Abdulla Yameen, cracking down on opposition protesters by removing banners and placards.

Final flat winners list made public despite ongoing corruption probe

The housing minister on Wednesday defended a decision to publish an anonymous list of flat winners as a corruption probe continued into the social housing scheme and despite thousands of people complaining about its lack of transparency.

Gasim unable to return after 20-day medical leave, says family

“He actually cannot leave. As doctors have not authorised for him to fly, the airlines are refusing to sell tickets for him. We also requested that the MCS medical board review their decision,” said defence lawyer Hisaan Hussain.

President opens expanded Kooddoo airport and new resort

The runway of the privately-managed airport was lengthened from 1,200 to 1,800 meters to accommodate the Airbus A320, the Boeing 737, and private jets such as the Bombardier Global 5000. A new VIP lounge and two staff accommodation blocks were also part of the upgrading project.

Judge refuses to release MP Faris as bribery trial begins

At today’s preliminary hearing, the MP for Dhiggaru pleaded not guilty to the bribery charge after sparring with the state prosecutor, who was unable to say when he gave the bribe or how much money was involved.

Heightened security at Maldives airport ‘a precautionary measure’

Local media has meanwhile reported the arrest of a Maldivian on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack in collaboration with the Islamic State militant group.

Parliament restroom catches fire again

The military’s firemen put out flames inside the parliament building in the early hours of Sunday after a dustbin and tissue box at a restroom caught fire.

Fire destroys Bileyfahi powerhouse

The powerhouse on the northern island of Bileyfahi in Shaviyani atoll has been completely destroyed by a fire that broke out late Saturday night.

Three Maldivians arrested en route to Syria

According to the police, the three men were arrested in a joint operation with the Turkish law enforcement authorities. They were alleged to have been planning to cross the border into Syria to join a militant group.

19-year-old stabbed to death in Malé

The victim has been identified as Moosa Ahmed from the island of Keyodhoo in Vaavu atoll. He was stabbed along with a 24-year-old man and a minor in the Maafanu ward of the capital.

Fenaka audit exposes rampant corruption at utility corporation

A special audit flagged several suspicious transactions that unduly benefited private parties, including the purchase of dollars from businesses without money exchange licenses, the purchase of diesel at inflated prices, and the awarding of lucrative projects without a fair bidding process.

Concrete structure completed for 25-storey hospital tower

Yameen launches ‘Y18 Sports Fiesta’ for re-election campaign

The ‘Y18 Sports Fiesta’ organised by the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives as part of his 2018 re-election campaign.