Maldives News
Colonel detained over boat blast challenges administrative detention
Colonel Ahmed ‘Papa’ Fayaz’s lawyer has challenged his administrative detention at the military barracks, seeking an order declaring the senior officer’s continuing detention arbitrary and illegal.
10 Dec 2015, 09:00
Pro-democracy NGO warns of Maldives backsliding into repression
“The past seven years have seen the Maldives leap forward and just as quickly regress heavily in the rights arena,” the MDN said in a statement released today on the occasion of International Human Rights Day. “The rights to association, assembly, expression and life can no longer be assured for the people living in the Maldives and this is unacceptable for human rights defenders.”
10 Dec 2015, 09:00
Maldives’ reputation ‘tarnished by human rights violations’
The current administration’s breach of international human rights conventions has tarnished the country’s reputation, says the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, as the government insists “the Maldives has made extraordinary progress in guaranteeing human rights.”
10 Dec 2015, 09:00
Calls grow for “extraordinary measures to tackle grand corruption”
“Corruption continues to undermine development by promoting wastage, has eroded public confidence in key institutions and victimise vulnerable communities in Maldivian society,” Transparency Maldives has said.
10 Dec 2015, 09:00
Government reneges on promise for new hospital in Addu
The government has backtracked on a pledge to build a new hospital in southern Addu City, promising to improve services at the existing Hithadhoo Regional Hospital instead.
10 Dec 2015, 09:00
Supreme Courts orders police investigation against ex-vice president’s lawyer
A police spokesperson confirmed that Hussain Shameem is under investigation, but declined to reveal the nature of the charges against the former deputy prosecutor general. The Department of Judicial Administration, which functions under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court, also refused to provide details.
09 Dec 2015, 09:00
Yameen lauds India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy
“All SAARC Member States must work collectively together to deliver human security for our people, and ensure that terrorist organisations have no room to spread their venom in the region,” Yameen said.
09 Dec 2015, 09:00
Ruins of ancient mosque dug up on southern island
A limestone wall with stonework has been found within the boundaries of the abandoned Friday mosque on southern Thinadhoo Island.
09 Dec 2015, 09:00
Housing ministry inspecting construction sites, buildings in Malé
The housing ministry says several buildings and construction sites in the capital “are not practicing safety precautions and construction practices as per regulations.” Survey teams will inspect sites for “the proper use of hoardings, safety nets and other necessary precautions as well as the use of proper safety clothing for the construction workers.”
09 Dec 2015, 09:00
Death sentence on a “coerced confession” prompts concern
The high court has sentenced a man to death based on a murder confession he had retracted in court, prompting concern that the verdict heralds a return to the tradition of confession-based sentencing, instead of building cases on solid evidence.
09 Dec 2015, 09:00
Brand Maldives: the paradox
If fans of brand Nike are concerned with the working conditions at factories in Bangladesh, rich tourists who travel to the Maldives must surely ask themselves how ethical is it is for them to support an industry that siphons off the riches earned by exploiting the natural beauty of these of islands with just a minute percentage of it trickling down to the average Maldivian, writes Hassan Saeed.
09 Dec 2015, 09:00
State-owned flats leased to president’s son
Two state-owned flats in Malé have been leased to President Abdulla Yameen’s son below market price with the consent of the anti-corruption watchdog. Each two-bedroom apartments in the Muraidhoo house – formerly part of the presidential palace – was leased for a monthly rent of MVR12,000.
08 Dec 2015, 09:00
Home minister reveals Nasheed’s medical condition in a tweet
Home Minister Umar Naseer revealed today jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed’s medical condition, prompting an outcry on social media over the release of confidential information.
08 Dec 2015, 09:00
First couple’s cash handouts to single parents spark concern
Cash handouts to single mothers from President Abdulla Yameen and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim has sparked concerns of corruption and a return to the patronage systems of old.
08 Dec 2015, 09:00
Former government officials escape prosecution over GMR dispute
Ex Finance Minister Ahmed Inaz, former Maldives Airports Company Ltd Chairman ‘Bandhu’ Ahmed Saleem, and former members of the MACL board of directors will not be charged over an alteration to a concession agreement with GMR that the anti-corruption watchdog claims cost the state millions in revenue.
08 Dec 2015, 09:00
Police seize 2kg of drugs from state-owned cargo boat
Police officers raided STO’s MV Bonthi boat with a search warrant while it was anchored near the uninhabited island of Vakkaru in Baa atoll yesterday.
08 Dec 2015, 09:00
Cameron’s Maldives comments “not true”
UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s claim that the Maldives has been placed on the Commonwealth’s watch is not true, the foreign ministry has said.
07 Dec 2015, 09:00
Reef frequented by whale sharks “destroyed” by resort’s excavation work
Excavation work carried out by LUX South Ari Atoll to clear a snorkelling channel on the island’s barrier reef has destroyed live corals, altered the current flow, and escalated the rate of erosion, divers say. It was approved by the tourism ministry after the resort’s proposal was twice rejected by the environment ministry.
07 Dec 2015, 09:00
Row over distribution of relief funds for victims of Addu City flooding
The involvement of a ruling party MP in distributing disaster relief funds for victims of flooding in Addu City has sparked controversy with an opposition MP alleging discrimination between pro-government and opposition-supporting constituencies.
07 Dec 2015, 09:00
‘Political prisoners’ awaiting permission to travel abroad for medical care
Families of former President Mohamed Nasheed, former defence minister Mohamed Nazim and former MP Ahmed Nazim are petitioning the state to allow the three to travel abroad for medical care. Nasheed requires a backbone surgery for slipped discs, lawyers said today.
07 Dec 2015, 09:00
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