Maldives News
Policeman acquitted of assaulting Feb 8 protester despite video evidence
Despite video footage showing then-Staff Sergeant Ali Ahmed kicking a protester while he was on the ground, the criminal court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The police crackdown on a protest march on February 8, 2012 had left at least 71 people hospitalised.
17 Sep 2015, 09:00
Yameen deflects criticism over slow progress in fulfilling sports pledges
President Abdulla Yameen has blamed slow progress in the construction of sports stadiums and mosques on an alleged lack of construction companies in the Maldives.
16 Sep 2015, 09:00
Opposition slams foreign minister’s gripe of ‘global spotlight’ hampering democracy
MPs of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have slammed Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon’s claim that the global spotlight on the Maldives is hampering the growth of nascent democratic institutions.
16 Sep 2015, 09:00
Cherie Blair speaks out against sanctions on the Maldives
Blair said sanctions must not be used over the imprisonment of a single individual, former President Mohamed Nasheed. In response, his lawyers said they will pursue targeted sanctions against individual abusers because of the numerous political prisoners in the Maldives.
16 Sep 2015, 09:00
Government will not bow to foreign pressure, declares President Yameen
Following renewed calls by the UN human rights chief and the UK for former President Nasheed’s release, Yameen said there are “things I will not do no matter how much pressure” is brought to bear on the government, insisting that releasing imprisoned opposition politicians would be unlawful as they were sentenced following independent judicial processes.
16 Sep 2015, 09:00
Supreme Court’s latest writ ‘compromises independence of watchdog bodies’
A Supreme Court writ ordering the Attorney General’s (AG) Office to represent all state offices, including independent institutions, has caused concern, with lawyers saying the writ contravenes the constitution and compromises the independence of independent institutions.
16 Sep 2015, 09:00
High Court releases former official jailed on corruption charges
Ibrahim Riyaz was found guilty of abuse of authority in awarding a US$21 million land reclamation project in late 2010 to Heavy Load Maldives – a company owned by the family of Deputy Speaker of Parliament ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik.
16 Sep 2015, 09:00
More ‘plane debris’ discovered in the Maldives
Debris suspected to be parts of an airplane were discovered on two separate islands in the Maldives today.
15 Sep 2015, 09:00
Ex-defence minister Nazim authorised to seek medical care in India
The government has granted jailed former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim permission to seek medical treatment abroad. He has been authorized to leave the Maldives for seven days.
15 Sep 2015, 09:00
81 people survive unharmed after ferry sinks en route to Maamigili
A ferry en route to Alif Dhaal Maamigili from Malé sank around 5:30am this morning with 81 people onboard, including tourists, women, and children. All 81 people are safe and unharmed. They were rescued at sea by the coastguard and resort vessels.
15 Sep 2015, 09:00
Government reverses decision on shortened Eid holiday
The government has reversed its decision to shorten the Eid Al Adha holiday break following a public outcry. The president’s office declared this morning that September 20 to 27 will be public holidays.
15 Sep 2015, 09:00
Ex-MP Nazim lodges complaint over mistreatment
Former ruling party MP Ahmed Nazim has lodged a complaint with the human rights watchdog over alleged mistreatment in state custody.
15 Sep 2015, 09:00
Father of deaf child loses medical malpractice suit
The High Court has upheld a ruling against the father of a deaf child who is seeking MVR7.1 million (US$460,440) as compensation for causing permanent loss of hearing in his daughter.
14 Sep 2015, 09:00
Court rejects ex-defence minister’s request for medical treatment
The civil court has rejected a request by jailed ex Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim for medical treatment abroad and a transfer to house arrest. It claims it has no jurisdiction over the matter.
14 Sep 2015, 09:00
Government criticises UN rights chief over ‘inappropriate’ calls for Nasheed’s release
“To seek the release of an individual purely on the basis of his political standing and having [no] regard to the allegations against him is inappropriate, and clearly seeks to circumvent the rule of law,” the foreign ministry said after Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussain urged the government to release the former president “given the deeply tainted nature of [his] case.”
14 Sep 2015, 09:00
Government to reclaim Malé southwest harbour
The government has announced plans to reclaim the southwestern harbour of Malé to build a waste management center and to relocate warehouses.
14 Sep 2015, 09:00
Shortened Eid holiday sparks anger
September 20 and 21, previously designated as public holidays in connection with Eid Al Adha, will now be working days, the government has announced. The reversal has sparked anger.
14 Sep 2015, 09:00
Saudi Arabia grants US$80m loan for Hulhumalé development
Speaking at a ceremony held this morning for signing the loan agreement, finance minister Abdulla Jihad said the loan was arranged within two to three months, which was “a record” in the ministry’s history and demonstrated the close ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.
14 Sep 2015, 09:00
Victim of Addu City link road accident passes away
A 61-year-old man died of injuries sustained in an accident on Addu City’s link road last night – the third fatality in a motorcycle accident in the southernmost atoll this year.
13 Sep 2015, 09:00
Ninth century relics discovered in Hanyaameedhoo
A coral box dating back to the ninth century has been discovered buried underground on the island of Hanyaameedhoo in Alif Dhaal atoll. The box contained about a kilo of cowrie shells and an idol resembling a cow. Cowrie shells were used as currency in antiquity and the cow idol is believed to have been an object of worship.
13 Sep 2015, 09:00
Showing 242 / 809