Maldives News

When can the Maldives president commute the death penalty?

In a blow to groups urging the Maldives to reinstate a moratorium on the death penalty, the high court has ruled that the president cannot commute the death sentence for individuals convicted of first-degree murder. Judges, however, specified other instances where the president can intervene.

Funding call as Addu struggles with flood recovery

Some MVR3million (US$194,550) is required to help more than 300 households in southern Addu City recover from flood damage, but only MVR200,00 (US$12,970) has been raised so far, the city council has said.

Row over use of UN emblem in opposition protest

The United Nations country office in the Maldives has scolded the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party for “misusing” the UN emblem during a protest this weekend.

Ex-minister accused of corruption over independence day banquet

Mohamed Hussain Shareef had awarded a restaurant owned by activists of the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives a MVR3.7million contract despite their lack of experience, an Anti Corruption Commission investigation has found.

Maldives to partner with Saudi Arabia and China on mega projects

President Abdulla Yameen is looking to Saudi Arabia and China for investment amidst persisting criticism of his human rights record by western powers.

Tribunal finds sacking of eight aviation security command officers unfair

The employment tribunal has ordered the defence ministry to reinstate eight aviation security officers who were sacked in May, ruling the defence ministry’s claim of loss of confidence in the eight civil servants lacked any basis.

Lawyers fear court recess ban is aimed at sentencing Adeeb

A Supreme Court ban on courts going on recess may be aimed at expediting a terrorism trial against detained ex vice president Ahmed Adeeb, his lawyers have said.

In face off with riot police, protesters pray for deliverance from tyranny

When riot police blocked hundreds of opposition supporters from marching in Malé for a third day today, they formed lines in front of police barricades this afternoon and prayed for deliverance from tyranny.

Maldives bans street protests

Home Minister Umar Naseer’s ban on street protests has sparked an outcry with human rights advocates saying the restriction is unconstitutional.

Maldives singled out for scrutiny at Commonwealth summit

The Prime Ministers of UK and Malta highlighted a need for action against the Maldives, but the three-day heads of government summit ended without a public announcement. The government’s promise for reform has stalled CMAG action, sources said.

Tear gas fired to disperse defiant protesters – as it happened

Police have fired tear gas and used pepper spray against opposition protesters as they took to the streets for a second time today, defying a government order to confine protests to the Artificial Beach grounds in Malé.

Police crackdown on opposition protest – as it happened

Hundreds of opposition supporters have gathered at the Artificial Beach in Malé urging President Abdulla Yameen to release all political prisoners.

Yameen weighs in on civil liberties, terrorism and foreign influence

President Abdulla Yameen has decried what he suggested was double standards by the international community in the handling of emergencies declared earlier this month in the Maldives and France. His rare 90-minute speech weighed in on terrorism, slammed foreign interference and touched on how the Maldives can attract foreign investment.

Nasheed’s lawyers ask UK for targeted sanctions

Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s lawyers have submitted to the UK government a list of potential targets for sanctions, prompting a ruling party MP to claim the opposition leader’s supporters will be banned from Saudi Arabia and China.

Suspicion cast on ex vice president over journalist’s disappearance

The home minister said Adeeb is being questioned over Rilwan’s disappearance. But the former vice president’s lawyers have denied the claim.

Ex-defence minister’s appeal postponed

A third hearing in Nazim’s appeal was scheduled for this morning after a five month hiatus, but it was called off because his lawyer is out of town.

Police warns MDP to end protest by midnight

The police have warned opposition supporters to confine tomorrow’s mass protest to the Artificial Beach grounds in Malé, and threatened to disperse protesters at midnight on Friday.

Maldives’ doctors tackle treating gender violence

Addu City suffers worst floods in 40 years

Southern Addu City has suffered the worst storm damage in 40 years after 12 continuous hours of torrential rain left streets inundated and flooded some 200 households.

Supreme Court to review Nasheed’s terrorism sentence

The Supreme Court has accepted the state’s appeal of former President Mohamed Nasheed’s terrorism conviction following a procedural hearing today.