Maldives News

International Commission of Jurists calls for Judge Nihan’s immediate release

The government has “dealt another blow to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law” with the judge’s arrest, said ICJ’s Asia Director Sam Zarifi. The senior judge of the Maamigili magistrate court is accused of forging a warrant to arrest President Abdulla Yameen on corruption charges.

Duplicitous attacks on the Maldives

In an op-ed for the Washington Times, President Abdulla Yameen accused former President Mohamed Nasheed and his heavyweight international lawyers of “trash-talking the Maldives” and attempting to portray the country as “a banana republic.”

European MPs warn of sanctions over jailed Maldives opposition leaders

A visiting delegation from the European parliament urged the government to free political prisoners and engage in genuine dialogue with political parties. “There is no chance that elections that are due to place here in 2018 will be rated as free and fair by Europe or the international community unless these steps start and start now,” said Richard Howitt, MEP.

Maldives ex-Prosecutor General detained over alleged coup plot

The state’s evidence suggests that Muhthaz Muhsin and accomplices traveled to Alif Dhaal Maamigili around 12:45am on February 7 “to seek a court order to arrest President Abdulla Yameen and topple the government,” the High Court said, ordering the ex-PG to be held in police custody for 15 days.

Former Prosecutor General and judge arrested over ‘fake warrant’

Former Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin and a judge at the Alif Dhaal Maamigili magistrate court have been arrested over a “fake” warrant issued for President Abdulla Yameen’s arrest.

Independent MP questioned over corruption allegations against first couple

Ex-Prosecutor General released, judge remanded

Muhthaz Muhsin was arrested around midnight last night along with a judge at the Maamigili magistrate court on suspicion of involvement in issuing an “invalid” court order to arrest President Abdulla Yameen. The High Court has extended Judge Nihan’s remand detention to seven days.

Yameen vows to take action over Maldives’ biggest corruption scandal

Yameen’s remarks came after a local company implicated in the unprecedented corruption scandal said that the the missing funds were distributed to the first couple, the ruling party, and senior politicians.

Police investigating ‘fake warrant’ issued for President Yameen’s arrest

Chief Superintendent Mohamed Riyaz told the press that former President Mohamed Nasheed – who is currently in the UK on a 30-day medical leave from prison – called a senior officer of the security services and encouraged him to enforce the bogus arrest warrant.

Sheikh Imran returned to jail from house arrest

After nearly four months under house arrest, Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla was abruptly transferred to prison last night until the conclusion of his ongoing terrorism trial.

US$79m embezzled in Maldives’ biggest corruption scandal

A staggering US$79 million from the Maldives tourism promotion company was siphoned off into the bank accounts of former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb’s associates, including US$65 million collected as acquisition costs from leasing islands, lagoons, and plots of land for tourism.

Thousands gather for Nasheed and Jameel’s message from London

Once bitter rivals, former President Mohamed Nasheed and former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed appeared tonight side-by-side in a video message broadcast from London, urging Maldivians to unite against President Abdulla Yameen’s alleged corruption.

Police block anti-corruption walk

Dozens of riot police officers have set up barricades on all roads leading to Malé’s Artificial Beach today in an attempt to block a walk organized by the opposition in protest over what watchdog bodies have called the Maldives’ biggest ever corruption scandal.

Translation of President Yameen’s 2016 presidential address

President Abdulla Yameen’s 2016 presidential address at the People’s Majlis opening touched on sovereignty, judicial reform, and the government’s achievements in health care, education, and infrastructure projects.

MDP claims evidence of Maldives government involvement in terrorism financing

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party claims it has damning evidence of government involvement in terrorism financing, money laundering, and bribery.

Police ban Maldives anti-corruption walk

The police have banned Friday’s anti-corruption walk organized by the Maldivian Democratic Party, citing concerns over clashes in the past and ongoing construction on a bridge and artificial beach project in Malé.

Opposition boycotts People’s Majlis opening

MPs of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party did not attend today’s inaugural session of the People’s Majlis, in protest over a controversial change of venue.

Indian health expo in Malé to feature leading hospitals

The High Commission of India is hosting next week a health expo featuring some 20 leading multi speciality hospitals and a free medical camp at the state-owned Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

Adeeb pledges support for the opposition

Detained former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has pledged support to the opposition just days after his predecessor, Vice President Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, formally joined the opposition coalition.

Jameel highlights reform record in message of thanks

Former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed highlighted his past record of protecting Islam and upholding the rule of law in a message of thanks addressed to opposition supporters.