Maldives News

President ‘halted’ central bank inquiry into money laundering

The opposition has renewed calls for Yameen’s arrest, claiming it has new evidence he instructed the central bank to halt an inquiry into the Maldives’ biggest ever corruption scandal.

Majlis fast-tracks bill to lease islands without bidding

Supreme court concludes hearings into its first murder case

The conclusion of an appeal against death sentence on Ahmed Murrath, convicted of killing a prominent lawyer, brings the Maldives a step closer to the first executions by the state in more than half a century.

Maldives Inc.

Maldives today is a capitalist dream. Mega development projects that aspire to ‘change the very map of the country’ are underway across the length and breadth of the 1200 islands. But the fact is, the very existence of Maldives is at risk, writes Azra Naseem

MPs question government’s sincerity in tackling jihadi recruitment

Opposition leader to be investigated over arrest warrant for president

Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, the leader of the newly launched opposition coalition, is being investigated by the police on suspicion of links to a forged warrant for President Abdulla Yameen’s arrest.

Three more soldiers jailed over boat blast

Three more soldiers have been sentenced to jail on charges of obstructing justice over the September 28 blast on President Abdulla Yameen’s speedboat.

Kenyan chief justice appointed Commonwealth special envoy to Maldives

Dr Willy Mutunga “will consult with all relevant stakeholders to encourage the strengthening of a pluralist, multi-party democracy, steps towards credible and inclusive presidential elections in 2018 and the advancement of reforms to give full effect to the separation of powers,” according to the Commonwealth.

Maldives to execute death row inmates by hanging

Death row prisoners will be executed within thirty days of the Supreme Court upholding or issuing a guilty verdict, Home Minister Umar Naseer said in an interview on Friday..

Home minister stripped of power to seek surveillance orders

A three member committee will vet suspects before Naseer can seek a monitoring and control – or ‘monicon’ orders – on them from the high court.

Government unveils ‘zero tolerance’ counter-terrorism policy

The government has promised “swift measures” against Maldivians involved with terrorist organisations in a new state policy on combating terrorism and violent extremism. A seven-page policy paper made public on Thursday broadly outlined plans to improve security and conduct de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programmes.

PPM divisions reopen over Gayoom’s opposition to grant Yameen party ticket

MPs and members of the PPM have taken to social media calling for Yameen to be awarded the party ticket without a primary after local media claimed that former president and PPM leader Gayoom had refused to endorse his half-brother for the 2018 polls.

Saudis defend Maldives first lady over date controversy

The embassy of Saudi Arabia in Malé has spoken out in defence of the first lady of the Maldives, who has been accused of corruption when it emerged that an NGO she founded was distributing dates gifted by the kingdom in its name.

‘Bomb maker’ granted witness protection, say local media

The Prosecutor General’s Office has granted immunity and witness protection to a soldier who testified to making two bombs for former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, local media report.

Supreme court asked to summon high-profile witnesses for Nazim’s appeal

The Supreme Court has been asked to summon several high-profile witnesses in light of new evidence that could prove former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim was framed by the police.

Home minister moves to halt production of historical documentary

The home ministry has ordered a southern island to halt production on a movie documenting the forced eviction of its residents in 1962 as collective punishment for a separatist movement.

Government revenue increases in first half of 2016

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority collected MVR6.5 billion (US$421 million) in the first five months of 2016, an increase of 13 percent compared to the same period last year.

Two stabbed in 24 hours amid spike in gang violence

A young man was stabbed on a busy street in Malé around 4pm today amid growing concern over a recent spike in gang violence. The stabbing followed the arrest of three suspects after a 21-year-old man was stabbed Monday night in a fight between rival gangs in Malé.

First lady dubbed ‘date thief’

First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim has sparked a firestorm of criticism after it emerged that a charity organisation she founded was distributing packets of dates gifted by Saudi Arabia to the people of the Maldives in its name.

Executive facing corruption charges appointed as deputy minister

The Maldives Roads Development Corporation’s managing director has been transferred to a political post despite pending corruption charges over a MVR1 million (US$64,850) loss incurred by the state-owned company.