Maldives News
Maldives seeks third term on UN Human Rights Council
Despite the foreign minister claiming successful consolidation of democracy, the curtailment of fundamental rights and the widely condemned imprisonment of opposition leaders during President Abdulla Yameen’s three-year administration has prompted fears of an “authoritarian reversal.”
28 Feb 2017, 09:00
President launches US$400m airport runway project
President Abdulla Yameen launched Monday morning a US$400 million project awarded to China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group to build a new runway at the Velana International Airport.
27 Feb 2017, 09:00
Raajje TV cameraman fined US$195 for obstructing police
Following the guilty verdicts and US$1,800 fines handed to Raajje TV journalists Mohamed Wisam and Leevan Ali Nasir last month, Adam Zareer becomes only the third journalist to be convicted in the Maldives in more than a decade.
27 Feb 2017, 09:00
Two police officers sacked over nude video and photos
A police staff serjeant, who was in charge of the Laamu Gan police station, was fired on Thursday. According to local media, the officer sent a nude video of himself during a video chat with a school girl, an offence that carries a jail term of between seven to ten years.
27 Feb 2017, 09:00
Police unable to protect Maldives’ oldest cemetery from vandalism
The police have decided to appeal a magistrate court order to protect a 900-year-old cemetery in the Meedhoo ward of Addu City after ancient tombstones were vandalised.
26 Feb 2017, 09:00
Judiciary denies closing high court northern branch after transferring staff to Malé
The department of judicial administration insisted that the northern branch on the island of Kulhudhufushi has not been shut down due to budget constraints. The judiciary was mandated to set up the branch by legal changes approved more than two years ago.
26 Feb 2017, 09:00
Top lawyers resign amid ‘discontent’ in chief prosecutor’s office
Following the resignation of two top prosecutors, sources from the Prosecutor General’s office have alleged that Bisham’s “abrasive” demeanour and short temper have contributed to growing discontent among her staff.
26 Feb 2017, 09:00
First they came for Faafu
Is the opposition to the imminent Saudi-funded “mega project” in Faafu atoll principled, strong and united enough? asks Azra Naseem.
26 Feb 2017, 09:00
Police accused of seeking false testimony to arrest Gayoom
Zaidul Ameen, a Malé city councillor under arrest on a blackmailing charge, has accused a senior police officer of threatening to keep him in custody until he gives false testimony that could be used to arrest former President Gayoom.
25 Feb 2017, 09:00
Judicial watchdog backs supreme court’s sacking of judge
The Judicial Service Commission decided at a meeting on Monday that it does not have to take further action since the constitution declares the supreme court to be “the final authority” on all matters dealt with by a court of law.
25 Feb 2017, 09:00
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
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