Maldives News

Government to develop second artificial beach in Malé

The capital’s second artificial beach is to be developed with a recreational area fishing pier, waterfront pavilion, beachfront park, waterfront promenade, underground parking facility, cafés, dive spots, waterfront residential mix, and a fort.

Parliament approves legal changes for registering small plots of land

Official accused of corruption appointed to human rights watchdog

The parliament today appointed a former government official accused of defrauding the state of MVR24million (US$1.55million) to the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM).

Former President Nasheed taken back to jail

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has been taken back to jail by prison guards acting with Specialist Operations (SO) police officers, eight weeks after the opposition leader was transferred to house arrest.

Sexual harassment within Maldives Police Service under-reported

A quarter of women police officers interviewed for the study -“Rough Roads to Equality: Women Police in South Asia” by the New Delhi-based Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) – said they had faced harassment, but only half referred the incident to a higher authority.

Hundreds of resort workers quitting over non-payment of wages

Mauroof Ahmed, the secretary general of TEAM, said delays and non-payment are common in resorts operated by three Maldivian companies – Villa Hotels, J Resorts and the AAA Hotels and Resorts.

US Congress members join chorus against Yameen’s regime

Four members of the United States Congress have written a letter to President Abdulla Yameen, demanding former President Mohamed Nasheed’s release and expressing concern over the apparent deterioration of democracy in the Maldives.

More than 100 new lawyers awaiting Supreme Court permit to practice law

The attorney general’s office (AG) licensed some 103 lawyers in June. However, under regulations enacted in June 2012, lawyers need a second permit from the Supreme Court before they can represent clients at courts.

Hulhumalé hospital flooded after heavy rainfall

“The way the hospital is built there is an open area of about 30 feet. The roof spills water on to the area when it rains heavily. If the water cannot drain it seeps inside the hospital. The water had seeped in under the doors,” the hospital’s director Ahmed Shakir explained.

Housing ministry takes over more of city council’s office space

The opposition-dominated city council moved its main office to the Huravee building after its eviction from the city hall in April. The housing ministry has now ordered the council to remove its furniture, filing cabinets, and documents from half of the ground floor office space.

Three arrested in Gan on prostitution charges

Two men and a woman were arrested from the island of Gan in Laamu atoll last night on suspicion of engaging in illicit sexual relations.

Judicial watchdog tight-lipped on suspension of civil court judge

The watchdog Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended Civil Court Judge Mariyam Nihayath indefinitely, but has declined to reveal details of the complaint.

Complaint filed over pepper spray use, obstruction of Find Moyameehaa walk

The mother of missing journalist Ahmed Rilwan filed a complaint with the human rights watchdog today over police obstruction of a peaceful memorial walk held on August 8 to mark one year after her son’s unexplained disappearance.

Staff dismissed after vowing to ‘confront’ vice president

“I will confront anyone who criticizes President Yameen, you cannot tell me who I should confront. I have no problem confronting even the Vice President for President Yameen,” Sharif is heard saying in an audio clip posted by the opposition-aligned Raajje TV.

Drug trafficking life sentence overturned on irregularities

In its ruling, the appellate court said Ramiz Ahmed, from Janavareemaage in Laamu Isdhoo, was “deprived of the fundamental constitutional right” to examine the evidence or witnesses against him.

Parliament to consider mandatory Shariah punishments

Nasheed’s lawyers, including Amal Clooney, to visit Maldives in September

The international legal team representing former President Mohamed Nasheed, including Amal Clooney, are set to visit the Maldives in early September.

ADB identifies ‘risk factors’ hindering Maldives economic development

A three-year study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) titled “The Maldives: Overcoming The Challenges of a Small Island State” found that the government’s effectiveness declined after 1996 whilst the ranking for rule rule of law has fallen since 2005, with the exception of 2012.

Plans underway to build floating luxury islands in the Maldives

Dutch Docklands, the company which plans to build a floating 18-hole golf course in the Maldives, has announced a new project to build luxury floating island homes, able to withstand rising seas.

Government to open second children’s home, mental health hospital

The cabinet’s social council has revealed plans to open a second children’s home in Hulhumalé and a mental health hospital on the island of Guraidhoo in Kaafu atoll.