Maldives News

Government renews invitation for political party talks

The government has asked opposition parties and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to propose reforms to revive the failed all-party talks, Fisheries Minister Dr Mohamed Shainee told the press.

President’s envoys visit Gasim in hospital

The visit came amid criticism over delays in authorising medical leave for the convicted opposition lawmaker. Azleen told the state broadcaster that Gasim will be allowed to travel overseas within two or three days.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan urged to cancel Maldives visit

The legendary actor is scheduled to speak at the annual session of the World Health Organisation’s regional committee for Southeast Asia due to begin on September 6 at the Paradise Island Resort near Malé.

Gayoom calls on security forces to stop by-elections

The electoral body called the by-elections shortly after the apex court ruled that there was no room to adjudicate cases filed by four former Progressive Party of Maldives lawmakers who were deemed to have lost their seats for crossing the floor.

Police withdraws security for Judge Bari’s family

The former chief judge of the criminal court has accused the police of withdrawing security for his family after he threatened to expose “the evil-doing of ignorant tyrants”.

Electoral body calls by-elections as both sides celebrate Supreme Court ruling

The Elections Commission has announced by-elections after a much anticipated Supreme Court decision on the disputed status of four lawmakers saw both sides claim victory with opposing interpretations.

Raajje TV senior journalist cleared of charges

The veteran journalist was accused of hitting Corporal Mohamed Shaheen during his arrest for refusing to leave the sports complex area of Malé where the military’s bomb disposal experts were defusing an improvised explosive device.

Gasim sentenced in absentia to three years, stripped of seat

Judge Adam Arif delivered the verdict in absentia while the 67-year-old opposition lawmaker remained hospitalised after collapsing inside the courtroom Thursday afternoon.

Inmate dies in Maafushi jail

A 32-year-old inmate at the high-security Maafushi prison died around 7:50 am Thursday morning while undergoing treatment at the island’s medical centre.

Court hears witnesses in Gasim’s bribery trial

Majlis breaks for recess after approving central bank governor

After heated exchanges descended into brawls Wednesday morning, opposition and pro-government lawmakers accused each other today of throwing eggs.

Judicial watchdog suspends criminal court judge

The judicial watchdog has suspended Criminal Court Judge Ahmed Rasheed pending an inquiry into complaints of ethical misconduct.

Gasim rushed to hospital after collapsing at court

Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim has been rushed to the hospital after collapsing inside the criminal court Thursday afternoon.

Maldivian man arrested over murder of Bangladeshi

A 33-year-old Maldivian man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering of an expatriate on the island of Himmafushi in Kaafu atoll

Speaker conducts chaotic Majlis sitting under heavy military guard

Walled off from protesting MPs by soldiers in plainclothes, Maseeh adjourned the sitting after calling a vote on the president’s nominee for ambassador to Sri Lanka.

Sultan Park revamped and reopened as ‘Rasrani Bageecha’

The government has meanwhile drawn criticism after announcing that expatriates must pay an entrance fee to visit the new park.

Majlis resumes with soldiers surrounding speaker

The People’s Majlis resumed after a three-week hiatus Tuesday morning with soldiers surrounding embattled Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed as opposition lawmakers called for his resignation.

Court concludes trial of alleged jihadis

Citing audio analysis of conversations, the state prosecutor told the court that one of the defendants told a witness he was in the “sacred land of Shām to seek Jannat-ul Firdaus”.

‘This guy is gonna dump US$16bn’: MP Nihan’s leaked audio

A full translation of a leaked audio clip of Majority Leader Ahmed Nihan saying that the constitution was amended to facilitate the sale of Himithi in Faafu atoll to then-Deputy Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman Al Saud.

Yameen on Adeeb and corruption allegations in rare press conference

President Abdulla Yameen took questions from reporters for the first time since October 2015 at an extraordinary press conference in mid-July. He addressed long-standing allegations of corruption and spoke at length on the ruling party split and loss of the pro-government majority in parliament.