Maldives News
Anti-graft watchdog prompts criticism for ruling out corruption in biggest ever property deal
The anti-graft watchdog has come under fire for declaring legal the government’s choice of a contractor to build a new wing for Malé’s public hospital, a project worth MVR2.1billion (US$140million)
13 Dec 2016, 09:00
Uproar after watchdog head ‘lauds’ Maldives human rights situation
Media reports that the president of the human rights watchdog dismissed concerns over abuses in the Maldives have provoked widespread condemnation on Twitter.
12 Dec 2016, 09:00
Media regulator throws out libel complaint against state TV
MBC said it would not investigate TVM for defaming Nasheed and Gayoom in a decision that stands in start contrast to action it has previously taken against opposition aligned station, Raajje TV.
10 Dec 2016, 09:00
PPM slams elections commission for closing nominations for council polls
The PPM did not make any nominations when the extended deadline expired on December 1.
08 Dec 2016, 09:00
Yet another policy reversal puts affordable housing out of reach for Malé residents
When Malé’s landless families drew lots to choose flats in the newly built Tata blocks in October, the keys to their new homes seemed all but assured. But yet another policy reversal appears to have put the flats out of reach.
07 Dec 2016, 09:00
Why the Commonwealth and Maldives will miss each other
Commonwealth membership brings a wide range of benefits, many of which the Maldives, to its credit, has taken full advantage of, writes James Dauris, British ambassador to the Maldives.
07 Dec 2016, 09:00
Money laundering checks are a burden on small countries, says Yameen
President Abdulla Yameen has described international money-laundering checks as “red tape” that inflicts disproportionate burdens on small economies.
06 Dec 2016, 09:00
Jailed lawmaker granted medical leave
MP Ahmed Mahloof, jailed on controversial charges, was granted ten days leave to travel to India to seek treatment and conduct medical tests not available in the Maldives.
04 Dec 2016, 09:00
Ban Ki-moon renews calls for dialogue in the Maldives
UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has renewed calls for dialogue between the Maldivian government and political parties, urging the government and the opposition to prioritise national interest and democracy
04 Dec 2016, 09:00
Inmate dies of heart attack in fourth custodial death this year
Ahmed Hassan, 55, was found death by prison guards at 4:40am at the low security prison, Asseyri Jail, on December 1
04 Dec 2016, 09:00
Court delays local council elections
The civil court ordered the elections commission to postpone January’s local council elections, citing the ruling party’s inability to prepare for polls in the wake of a bitter leadership dispute.
02 Dec 2016, 09:00
Concern over investor confidence after appeals court approves seizure of Villa properties
The high court has ruled the government’s seizure of two lagoons leased to Gasim Ibrahim’s Villa Group lawful in a verdict that critics claim was politically motivated and would affect investor confidence in the Maldives.
01 Dec 2016, 09:00
Ali Waheed resigns as MUO deputy leader
Waheed, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, said he was resigning to pave the way for a leader who lives in the Maldives.
29 Nov 2016, 09:00
Fire breaks out at warehouse in Malé
A massive fire broke out at a warehouse in Malé on Monday, destroying MVR40million (US$2.6million) worth goods, injuring two fire-fighters and spreading to five other buildings in the vicinity before it was put out.
29 Nov 2016, 09:00
Secret terror trial for ex defence minister
Ameen Faisal, who was charged with terrorism over the 2010 detention of President Abdulla Yameen, will be tried behind closed doors, the criminal court has ruled.
29 Nov 2016, 09:00
Officials blame victims of human-trafficking for low conviction rates
Human-trafficking cases are stalled “because victims want to leave the country immediately or weren’t prepared to cooperate with investigators,” the police said.
28 Nov 2016, 09:00
Q&A: Rights advocate calls for affirmative action for Maldives women
Shadiya Ibrahim, the UNFPA’s assistant representative hails the Maldives’ ground-breaking Gender Equality Act, but says affirmative action is necessary to bridge the gender gap in political life and the work-place
28 Nov 2016, 09:00
Central bank defends bailing out government with GMR payout
The MMA confirmed to the Maldives Independent that it invested in a US$140 million government-guaranteed bond issued by the Maldives Airports Company Ltd on November 15, two days before the attorney general announced the payment of US$271 million in damages to the Indian infrastructure firm.
27 Nov 2016, 09:00
Police institution not liable for unlawful arrest, high court rules
The ruling came after the police appealed a civil court’s judgment that declared Sabra Noordeen’s arrest unlawful, unwarranted, and an “abuse of power.” The high court overturned the lower court order for the police to apologise in writing and to erase the record of her arrest.
26 Nov 2016, 09:00
Airport development fee to be introduced in 2017
A contentious Airport Development Charge of US$12 for Maldivians and US$25 for foreigners departing from the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport was voted through by the ruling party-dominated parliament Thursday night.
26 Nov 2016, 09:00
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