Maldives News


Police seek prosecution of Faris Maumoon
The police said in a tweet after midnight on Friday that the case was sent to the Prosecutor General’s office after completing an investigation requested by the anti-corruption watchdog into alleged failure to reimburse the state.
22 Apr 2017, 09:00


Maldives Independent wins free speech award
The Maldives Independent and its former editor Zaheena Rasheed have been named the winners of Index on Censorship’s 2017 Freedom of Expression Journalism Award.
21 Apr 2017, 09:00


CPJ condemns prosecutor general over case against Raajje TV journalist
“The prosecutor general’s insistence on continuing this baseless case against Mohamed Wisam and Raajje TV is clearly intended to intimidate all journalists in the Maldives,” the CPJ said.
20 Apr 2017, 09:00


Police launch probe into lawmaker’s bribery admission
Maldives Development Alliance MP Mohamed Ismail had caused outrage when he declared during a parliament sitting in March last year that he had carried “sacks of money” to opposition MPs.
18 Apr 2017, 09:00


Majlis passes new construction law, breaks for recess
The bill was introduced, debated, reviewed by a committee, and passed on the same day. After the normal sitting in the morning, Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed scheduled a sitting at night to vote on the bill.
17 Apr 2017, 09:00


Social media activist released
The high court has released prominent social media activist Thayyib Shaheem on the condition that he refrains from defaming the government.
16 Apr 2017, 09:00


Indian foreign secretary concludes visit
According to the president’s office, Dr S Jaishankar conveyed good wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and “assured that India will continue to assist and collaborate with the Maldives to enhance the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.”
15 Apr 2017, 09:00


MP Riyaz pleads not guilty to obstruction charge
At a preliminary hearing Thursday morning, Judge Ahmed Shakeel rejected the state prosecutor’s request to detain Riyaz until the end of the trial, dismissing the prosecution’s argument that he could attempt to influence evidence in a separate case.
13 Apr 2017, 09:00


Court refuses to detain Gasim for bribery trial
At a preliminary hearing closed to the media and members of the public, Gasim pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and attempting to influence voting and official conduct.
13 Apr 2017, 09:00


High court frees Gasim as Prosecutor General files bribery charges
The Prosecutor General’s office has meanwhile pressed charges against Gasim and JP MP Abdulla Riyaz. The first hearings have been scheduled for Thursday morning.
12 Apr 2017, 09:00


Police pours cold water on speculation over death of Maldivian model
The family of Raudha Athif, 20, alleges that she was murdered by a fellow student at the Rajshahi medical college. But Chief Superintendent Mohamed Riyaz told the press after returning from Bangladesh that there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding her death.
12 Apr 2017, 09:00


Government calls for ‘balanced’ statements from international partners
“Finding amicable solutions to the issues facing the country today should not be a responsibility that falls exclusively on the government,” the foreign ministry said in response to widespread international concern over an intensifying crackdown on opposition leaders.
11 Apr 2017, 09:00


Depression: Let’s Talk
For societies in which depression remains taboo, or is poorly understood, discussing it can mean examining deep and enduring social norms, writes Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia.
11 Apr 2017, 09:00


Rules changed to save speaker from impeachment
The ruling party-dominated parliament on Monday pushed through controversial changes to the rules of procedure to require a minimum of 42 signatures from the 85-member house to submit a no-confidence motion against the speaker or the deputy speaker.
10 Apr 2017, 09:00


Gayoom staffer on trial for contempt
Abdul Aleem is accused of contravening the civil court ruling that put Yameen in control of the PPM, by setting up a rival secretariat and expelling lawmakers loyal to the president.
10 Apr 2017, 09:00


US, EU and Canada condemn fresh crackdown on Maldives opposition
In a joint statement, the US, EU and Canada said urged the government to let the opposition conduct its activities without fear of intimidation or incarceration.
09 Apr 2017, 09:00


‘No evidence’ Gasim bribed lawmakers, say lawyers
Gasim Ibrahim has been remanded for six days by the criminal court on charges of bribery as international concern grew of the opposition lawmaker’s arrest.
08 Apr 2017, 09:00


Gasim arrested for bribery
The police said Gasim, who is facing trial on bribery charges, may tamper with evidence if he remained free.
07 Apr 2017, 09:00


Raajje TV fined MVR1m over speech defaming Yameen
The broadcasting regulator has slapped an MVR1 million (US$64,850) fine on the Raajje TV for airing a speech at an opposition rally in October that was deemed defamatory towards President Abdulla Yameen.
06 Apr 2017, 09:00


Government denies unfairly targeting Gasim’s businesses
Three ministers met the press at the president’s office to defend the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority, stressing that it is an independent institution whose enforcement actions are taken after due process and without any government interference.
06 Apr 2017, 09:00

