Maldives News
Maldives ‘rejects’ international criticism of defamation bill
The defamation bill “does not seek to criminalise free speech,” the government insists, claiming that it would “provide a layer of protection for those who may fall victim to scurrilous and defamatory articles and to ensure that such comment does not impact upon issues of religious sentiment or national security.”
02 Aug 2016, 09:00
Riot police switch off microphones at MUO rally
Riot police officers tried to halt an opposition rally Monday night after forcibly entering the Maldivian Democratic Party’s haruge (meeting hall) in Malé without a court order.
02 Aug 2016, 09:00
Yameen appoints new home minister
Yameen has replaced Home Minister Ahmed Zuhoor with Azleen Ahmed, a junior minister at the education ministry. The reason for the sudden change remain unclear.
01 Aug 2016, 09:00
MP under investigation for ‘hateful’ tweet
The Jumhooree Party MP said the police did not directly accuse him of a specific crime, “but it was quiet clear from their questioning and also from the comments they made that I have been accused of obstruction of police duties and of inciting hatred and violence.”
01 Aug 2016, 09:00
Majlis proceeds with criminalising defamation
The ruling party-dominated parliament voted today to accept a bill on criminalising defamation and restricting free speech, disregarding forceful international criticism and a free speech campaign by local journalists.
01 Aug 2016, 09:00
Commonwealth envoy arrives in Maldives
Kenya’s former chief justice flew into the Maldives Sunday for his first visit as a special envoy of the Commonwealth amid an intensifying government crackdown on dissent.
01 Aug 2016, 09:00
Defamation bill draws international criticism
The revised defamation bill is a “serious setback for freedom of speech in the Maldives,” said the US, UK, EU, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands in a strongly worded joint statement.
01 Aug 2016, 09:00
Ex-minister placed under police protection
Ex home minister Umar Naseer says he has been placed under police protection after receiving death threats from a group of unidentified men carrying knives.
01 Aug 2016, 09:00
Airport project on protected island alarms environmentalists
Environmental groups say construction of an airport on the “unique and rare” island of Dhigulaabadhoo in southern Gaaf Dhaal Atoll would lead to biodiversity loss.
31 Jul 2016, 09:00
MUO leaders’ phones confiscated, questioned over detainee fund
“The police questioned us regarding the detainee fund. Apparently, they are of the view that the fund is an obstruction to the proper functioning of the state and implementation of the rule of law,” Latheef, shadow minister for civil rights, told reporters yesterday.
31 Jul 2016, 09:00
Defamation bill on Majlis agenda as free speech campaign gains momentum
A group of journalists launched a campaign last week to raise awareness about the dangers posed by the proposed law, warning that it would spell the end of a free press as well as freedom of expression in the Maldives.
31 Jul 2016, 09:00
Social media activist arrested for ‘inciting hatred’
Shammoon Jaleel was arrested with a court warrant on suspicion of fomenting unrest and inciting hatred among the public towards the security forces. The criminal court also authorised the police to confiscate his phone to extract all his conversations, text messages, and other interactions.
30 Jul 2016, 09:00
Police crack down on opposition prayer, tea party
Riot police cracked down on the opposition’s weekly prayer gathering and a tea party Friday afternoon using pepper spray and force. The father of jailed MP Ahmed Mahloof was among seven men arrested outside the Islamic centre.
30 Jul 2016, 09:00
Death in the tropical paradise
Omkar Khandekar explores “the melting pot of conspiracy theories” spawned by the assassination of Dr Afrasheem Ali in October 2012.
29 Jul 2016, 09:00
Two journalists, opposition figures arrested from mosque
Two journalists and four opposition figures were arrested Tuesday night while opposition supporters attempted to perform a prayer inside the Islamic centre in Malé. All six were released after about four hours in custody.
28 Jul 2016, 09:00
Foreign couple arrested after photographing opposition rally
The detained couple has been identified as a Polish national who works as a freelance photographer and her husband, an Italian businessman. The police spokesman said they were “taken in for questioning” after it was discovered that they did not have valid work permits.
28 Jul 2016, 09:00
Police block journalists’ silent protest
Specialist Operations police officers blocked a protest march staged by journalists against a defamation bill currently before parliament. The journalists were told they would not be allowed to protest in the streets of Malé while carrying banners and placards.
28 Jul 2016, 09:00
Gayoom snubs independence day ceremonies
Gayoom, who is locked in a bitter power struggle for control of the PPM with his half-brother President Abdulla Yameen, was notably absent from the midnight flag-hoisting ceremony as well as last night’s official reception hosted by the first couple.
27 Jul 2016, 09:00
Islam, traitors, economy: Yameen’s independence day address
The president’s address featured recurring themes: an alleged conspiracy by unnamed foreign powers to undermine the country’s Islamic identity, independence and sovereignty; the threat posed by “traitors” to peace and stability; and the importance of economic independence.
27 Jul 2016, 09:00
Human rights watchdog denies wasting funds
According to the audit report, the commission made no effort during 2015 to recover MVR1.15 million (US$74,500) owed by employees and spent MVR97,569 (US$6,300) in excess of its annual budget.
27 Jul 2016, 09:00
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