Maldives News

Tax authority removes freeze on Villa Group accounts

The tax authority has removed a freeze on Jumhooree Party leader and tourism tycoon Gasim Ibrahim’s Villa Group accounts in yet another indication of a thaw in relations between the opposition and the government.

Hearing in Ibthihaal murder trial cancelled

Comment: Mosque, story of my country

The sermons coming out of the Mosque almost always address matters relating to creed, never relating them to issues that are more directly connected to socio-economic problems, writes Aisha Hussein Rasheed.

MDP and Sangu TV in row over live broadcast of rallies

MP Ahmed Mahloof said an opposition supporter had removed Sangu TV’s microphone from the podium at the opposition’s campaign office or Haruge, resulting in a confrontation between “gangsters” who supported the TV channel and opposition supporters. Sangu TV however said the group were its staff.

Hundreds mobilized in campaign against dengue

Hundreds of staff at state owned companies, government offices, and volunteers started walking door-to-door in the capital Malé this morning with a checklist of activities to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites. At least four people have died from mosquito-borne dengue fever this year.

Maldives secures US$50m loan for water and waste projects

Sea plane with tourists crash-lands, all passengers safe

A Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane carrying 11 tourists crashed landed in the water near Kuredhu Island Resort in north central Maldives at 5:30pm today. The passengers and three members of crew are safe.

Maldives threatens to leave the Commonwealth, again

The Maldives “will seriously consider its membership at the Commonwealth” if it is placed on the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for a second time in four years, foreign minister Dunya Maumoon has said.

Transparency Maldives call for criminalisation of Illicit enrichment

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) – which the Maldives acceded to in 2007 – defines illicit enrichment as a “significant increase in the assets of a public official that he or she cannot reasonably explain in relation to his or lawful income.”

Majlis notifies vice-president of impeachment vote

The People’s Majlis has notified vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed of a resolution calling for his removal, and granted him 14 days to respond to charges.

Leaders commit to reconciliation, prepare to begin talks

“I believe this is the time for a major reconciliation by finding a consensus through talks. The government, to show its sincerity, will make all the concessions we can,” Home minister Umar Naseer told the press following a meeting with MDP MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

High Court, citing lateness, rejects murder acquittal appeal

The High Court, citing lateness, has rejected an appeal filed by the state over the criminal court’s acquittal of man accused of killing his girlfriend and stuffing her body into a suitcase. Prosecutors blamed the delay on the criminal court failure to provide documents on time.

Vice president labels impeachment a ‘constitutional coup’

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel has called his party’s attempt to remove him a “constitutional coup” and suggested that the the international community should intervene to prevent the situation.

Dr Bari rejoins Adhaalath Party

Eight Bangladeshi men arrested for gambling

A total of eight Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in the Maldives June on charges of gambling. They were arrested during police raids and caught with large sums of money and card decks.

“I only fear Allah, not the People’s Majlis,” says vice president

Four police officers promoted to assistant commissioner rank

US ready to ‘deepen partnership’ with Maldives, seeks progress on democracy

Parliament approves three new ministers

Vice President told to return home, answer charges