Maldives News

Government still hopes MDP will join talks despite third snub

The government will continue to attempt to convince the Maldivian Democratic Party and Adhaalath Party to participate in all-party talks following a third snub by the allied opposition parties, Fisheries Minister Dr Mohamed Shainee said today.

Ruling party MP calls female MPs ‘screaming crows’ in equality debate

PPM MP Riyaz Rasheed caused a stir today labelling the four women MPs of the opposition “shameless” and “screaming crows.” He also said that women are the leading cause for heart attacks and strokes.

Adeeb oversaw theft of US$5m resort lease payment, contends prosecution

The embezzlement of US$5 million paid for leasing the island of Mabinhura in Lhaviyani atoll was carried out on the instructions of detained former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, state prosecutors told the criminal court today.

Saudi Arabia pledges US$50m for military housing project

Saudi Arabia pledged to provide US$50 million for a military housing project during an official visit to the kingdom this week by Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar.

Maldives tax receipts soar in February

The tax authority reported an extraordinary increase of 66.1percent in February revenues, off the back of an increase in tourist arrivals in January. Total income reached MVR1.5billion (US$97million).

More than 20 islands already facing water shortages

More than 20 islands across the Maldives are already facing water shortages, according to the National Disaster Management Centre.

Anti-graft watchdog fields barrage of questions over integrity

The anti-graft watchdog fielded Sunday a barrage of questions on its integrity and willingness to hold President Abdulla Yameen to account over the theft of some US$80million from state coffers.

First couple moves to official residence as president backtracks on campaign pledge

President Abdulla Yameen has done a u-turn on his much-publicised campaign pledge of living in his family home with an unexpected move on Thursday to Hilaaleege, the state residence formerly used by his first Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed.

Ruling coalition MP stands by admission of bribery

Ruling coalition MP Mohamed Ismail has stood by his admission of bribing opposition lawmakers, claiming he distributed cash as a favour to detained former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb.

Friday sermon has become a ‘political weapon’

The Islamic ministry has once again provoked a storm of criticism with a Friday sermon that warned Maldivians against slander amidst allegations of corruption against President Abdulla Yameen.

High Court judge complains over transfer to southern branch

High Court Judge Azmiralda Zahir has filed a complaint with the parliament’s independent institutions oversight committee over her transfer to a southern branch of the appellate court.

Maldives brands ITB Berlin a success

Despite questions over safety for tourists, the Maldives-sponsored international tourism and trade fair ITB Berlin was a major success, Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer has said.

Two Maldivians arrested in Sri Lanka over sex-tape blackmail

The suspected racketeers were arrested yesterday from a hotel in Dehiwala, Colombo with two laptops containing nude video clips of more than 100 people, including five politicians. The alleged racketeers reportedly amassed more than MVR6 million from the blackmailing scam during the past two years.

Local market assault victim in critical condition

MDP condemns arrest of MP Mahloof from anti-corruption protest

The Maldivian Democratic Party has strongly condemned the police’s “unconstitutional” obstruction of Friday’s protest as well as the heavy use of pepper spray against protesters and a Raajje TV journalist and the arrest of MP Ahmed Mahloof.

Media regulator shares press freedom concerns with Chief Justice

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission said in a statement that its president, Mohamed Shaheeb, discussed “seeking a solution to the tension between the media and the judiciary” after the criminal court barred several outlets from observing trials.

Surprise terror trial for ex-chief prosecutor

The criminal court summoned detained former Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin to an unannounced hearing today and granted him seven days to hire a lawyer to answer a terror charge.

American PR firm complained over delayed payment in email to Maldives president

Leaked emails show the Maldivian public was billed a total of US$221,826 for three months of work in 2012 by PR firm Ruder Finn. The lobbyists later sent an email to then-president Waheed complaining over a seven-month delay in receiving payment, The Maldives Independent can reveal.

Ex-defence minister’s appeal: Court set to deliver verdict next week

Six police officers involved in arms raid on Mohamed Nazim’s home provided anonymous testimony today. Judges said they will deliver a verdict on March 15.

Police recover money stolen from Addu City murder victim

The police have arrested three suspects in the murder of a 47-year-old businessman in Addu City and recovered cash stolen from the victim’s general store.