Maldives News
High court deals blow to Gasim’s bid to retain airport
The high court overturned a lower court order halting the tourism ministry’s takeover of the Kaadehdhoo airport in Gaaf Dhaal airport.
24 Feb 2017, 09:00
Government unveils campaign to promote ‘Islamic unity and patriotism’
After purportedly establishing public order and undertaking numerous efforts for economic and social development, Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar said the president’s focus now is “building youth who loves Islam, is loyal to the nation, and is ready to provide an adequate service”.
23 Feb 2017, 09:00
Government tight-lipped amid growing clamour to reveal Saudi project for Faafu atoll
Speculation of the imminent sale of Faafu atoll to the Saudi royal family intensified this week when the media learned of the Saudi King’s upcoming official visit to the Maldives, prompting concerns over the scope for corruption, threats to sovereignty, and potential damage to the environment.
23 Feb 2017, 09:00
Ex-minister pleads not guilty over Yameen’s ‘protective custody’
In a statement he gave to the police last September, President Yameen said he was taken by the military to the presidential retreat island Aarah against his will in July 2010 and expressed his desire to seek charges over the “unlawful arrest”.
23 Feb 2017, 09:00
Nasheed receives Courage Award at Geneva human rights summit
The convicted opposition leader was bestowed the prestigious ‘2017 Courage Award’ by a coalition of 25 international human rights groups at the ninth annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.
22 Feb 2017, 09:00
Jailed lawmaker leaves for medical treatment in India
Independent MP Ahmed Mahloof has issued several press statements from jail during the past month, expressing concern over the treatment of inmates at the Maafushi jail and criticising the judiciary, Yameen’s state of the nation address, and the change of burials from the capital to Hulhumalé.
21 Feb 2017, 09:00
Saudi embassy stirs controversy with cash handout to journalists
The Saudi Arabian embassy in Malé has stirred controversy after handing out envelopes with MVR500 (US$32) in cash to journalists who were invited to cover an event on Sunday.
21 Feb 2017, 09:00
Elderly man hospitalised after chemical attack
The police are searching for a suspect who threw chemicals on the face of the 71-year-old man Tuesday morning on the island of Dhuvafaru in Raa atoll.
21 Feb 2017, 09:00
Saudi king to visit Maldives in March
King Salman had accepted an invitation to visit the Maldives during President Abdulla Yameen’s second official visit to Saudi Arabia in October last year.
20 Feb 2017, 09:00
Campaigning underway for April’s local council elections
Both the PPM and MDP have been gearing up for the campaign in recent days. The stakes in the Maldives’ third local council election are higher than the previous polls as it will put claims of overwhelming public support to the test.
20 Feb 2017, 09:00
Thousand jobs on offer at Hulhumalé youth career expo
According to state media, the jobs fair in Hulhumalé was organised by the economic development ministry and the state-owned Housing Development Corporation at the behest of First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim, who is overseeing the president’s re-election campaign.
20 Feb 2017, 09:00
Top Chinese diplomat concludes official visit to Maldives
During the three-day visit, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou visited the project site of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and inspected expansion work at both the Velana International Airport and a China-funded social housing project in Hulhumalé.
20 Feb 2017, 09:00
Hiking tobacco tariffs to discourage smoking called into question
A record 200 percent import duty hike in 2012 failed to reduce demand and the number of cigarettes imported to the Maldives increased to 497 million in 2016 from 460 million the previous year despite a further hike in April 2015 that jacked up prices to MVR48 a pack.
19 Feb 2017, 09:00
In unprecedented move, supreme court sacks civil court judge
The apex court declared that Judge Mariyam Waheed has “lost the legitimacy, legal capacity, and authority” to remain on the bench after she ruled against the government in a long-running dispute over the lease of Vaavu Bodumohora for resort development.
18 Feb 2017, 09:00
Escaped detainees from Malé custodial centre caught
After local media reported that the group broke out of the Malé custodial last week, the police said in a tweet today: “All those involved in breaking out of Malé custodial have been caught and the police are investigating the matter.”
18 Feb 2017, 09:00
Airport hotel suspends six staff after protest
The suspension came after more than 60 Maldivian staff signed a petition demanding that the management lifts the suspension of a staff member accused of leaving without permission during duty hours.
16 Feb 2017, 09:00
MDP activists, arrested over mock grave, released
The six men from Ukulhas were accused of “sorcery and unruly behaviour” after opposition supporters created a mock grave outside the home of an MDP activist who switched to the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives.
15 Feb 2017, 09:00
Police officers offered temporary housing in Malé area
According to amendments brought on Monday to regulations on housing for police, applicants will be awarded points based on an interview, rank, marital status, number of children, and years of service.
15 Feb 2017, 09:00
Lawmakers hail long-awaited evidence bill
Lawmakers have hailed a proposed new evidence law as key to addressing longstanding challenges faced by the judiciary and strengthening the criminal justice system.
15 Feb 2017, 09:00
Tourism lobby scuttled rules banning resorts from selling dollars
The rules were aimed at alleviating a persisting dollar shortage and tackling an entrenched black market.
14 Feb 2017, 09:00
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