Maldives News
Sheikh Imran’s terrorism trial resumes with heated hearing
Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla’s speech at an anti-government demonstration in May constitutes terrorism, state prosecutors insisted today at a hearing that saw heated exchanges between the presiding judge and defence lawyers.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00
Infrastructure projects could ‘transform’ economy, but poses risks
A visiting IMF mission said today that the “unprecedented scale up in public infrastructure” – including the expansion of the international airport and construction of the Malé-Hulhulé bridge – could boost tourism capacity and prove transformation “if implemented successfully, together with supportive education and employment policies”. But substantial external borrowing could add to “already elevated public debt.”
17 Jan 2016, 09:00
Nasheed’s lawyers win US Congress support for Maldives sanctions
In her first-ever interview with a US television network, Mohamed Nasheed’s heavyweight human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, wife of actor George, said she had won support for the introduction of a congressional resolution calling for sanctions against members of the Maldives’ current regime until they free her client.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00
India, Sri Lanka ‘lobbying’ Maldives for ex-president’s release
Lobbying by Maldives’ neighbours India and Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in President Abdulla Yameen’s sudden change of heart in authorising jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed’s travel to the UK for medical treatment, according to media reports.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00
UK minister of state meets President Yameen
Swire’s visit follows the government’s sudden change of heart in authorising jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed’s travel to the UK for medical treatment. Indian and Sri Lankan media reported today that lobbying efforts by the Maldives’ neighbours were responsible for the government’s u-turn.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00
Violence against women has become our culture
The conversation around the death of a Thinadhoo woman from marital rape injuries focused on her “silence,” her action or inaction. But it was in fact duty bearers and the community who were silent, argues Humaidha Abdul Ghafoor.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00
Nasheed to travel to UK for surgery
Jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed has been granted leave to travel to the United Kingdom for a surgery on his spine, the ministry of foreign affairs has announced in a tweet.
16 Jan 2016, 09:00
Gasim’s Villa wins back all five resort properties seized during crisis
Jumhooree Party Leader Gasim Ibrahim’s Villa Company has won back all five properties seized by the government during a political crisis triggered by the JP’s split from the ruling coalition.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00
Senior statesman quits opposition
Zaki was as a special envoy of former President Mohamed Nasheed under the three-year MDP government. He also held various cabinet portfolios during the 30-year reign of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, including the tourism ministry and the planning and development ministry.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00
Resettlement of Gaadhoo islanders underway
Resettlement of Laamu atoll Gaadhoo islanders to Fonadhoo of the same atoll has begun on Monday, with 38 families having moved completely.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00
Plans unveiled for an ‘industrial village’ in Malé
The ministry of housing and infrastructure awarded projects to two state-owned companies yesterday to develop an “industrial village” and a foodcourt in Malé’s southwestern harbour.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00
Senator McCain ‘standing for human rights in the Maldives’
Jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed’s international lawyers Jared Genser and Amal Clooney met with US Senator John McCain yesterday as their campaign seeking targeted sanctions to secure the opposition leader’s release intensifies.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00
Policeman fired for theft wins high court bid to get job back
The High Court ruled that the dismissal of former Chief Station Inspector Mohamed Habeeb in February 2014 was unfair as he was not convicted of a crime in a court of law. The Maldives Police Service was ordered to reinstate the ex-policeman and provide compensation for lost wages.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00
The rot at the top: Will President Yameen answer for corruption?
The anti-corruption watchdog has promised to question President Abdulla Yameen if required in order to conduct a thorough investigation of a tourism corruption scandal that has embroiled his former deputy, home minister and MPs. But critics are questioning the commission’s integrity.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00
Government revenue in December falls below forecast
“A 9.7 percent shortfall in revenue collection for December 2015 compared to the projection was observed for Green Tax, tourism sector GST and airport service charge. This is due to the 14.5 percent lower-than-expected tourist arrivals in November 2015,” MIRA explained in its December revenue collection report.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00
Schools open for new academic year
Schools across the Maldives opened today for the new academic year with more than 75,000 students enrolled in 223 schools.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00
New Indian High Commissioner takes up post
The new Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Akilesh Mishra, presented his credentials to President Abdulla Yameen this morning. Mishra, formerly India’s consul general in Toronto, Canada, replaces outgoing High Commissioner Rajeev Shahare.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00
US urged to impose targeted sanctions against Maldives officials
President Abdulla Yameen’s repressive rule, “blind-eye” to religious extremism, and pervasive human rights abuses, which include the jailing of former President Mohamed Nasheed, “constitute an extraordinary threat to US national security and foreign policy,” renowned campaign group Freedom Now has said.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00
Bullet parts discovered on Maldives island
Parts of bullets used in military training exercises have been discovered in an island in north-central Raa Atoll, according to the police.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00
Concern over prolonged remand for boat blast suspects
The criminal court has been periodically extending the remand detention of several boat blast suspects. Most of them, including Ahmed Ashraf and Hamid Ismail, are now detained on charges that are not related to the blast.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00
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