Maldives News

80-year-old man arrested on charges of sexually abusing eight-year-old girl

Local NGO Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has meanwhile expressed concern with the “hidden epidemic of child abuse that continues unabated in the country”. A total of 339 cases of child abuse were reported from January to June this year, ARC noted, which represented a significant increase compared to the 423 cases reported during the whole of 2014.

A lingering longing for self-rule

In Addu, on the eve of the Golden Jubilee of independence, stories of the short-lived United Suvadive Republic are told and retold and the longing for self rule lingers on.

Opposition MP Didi returns to Malé

Opposition MP and Rtd. Brigadier General Ibrahim Didi was seen at the July 26 midnight official flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day. He was flown to India for medical treatment amidst a terrorism trial.

Sri Lankan President Srisena arrives in Malé

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Srisena arrived in Malé today to attend an official function marking the Maldives’ golden jubilee of independence from the British.

China, India, UK congratulate Maldives on Golden Jubilee of Independence

Expressing his belief the Maldives will realize development under President Yameen, the Chinese President Xi said he would like to further strengthen ties. Indian Prime Minister Modi highlighted age-old ties between the Maldives and India, noting 2015 also marks the 50th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On golden jubilee of independence, Addu is silent

The people of Addu say their development took a U-turn since the British left in 1976. Successive governments have neglected Addu, turning it into a provincial backwater.

“We could have done better:” conversations with an independence hero

“Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi, who led the independence negotiations, remembers talks with the British, laments President Ibrahim Nasir’s buried legacy, and reflects on where Maldives has arrived at as we celebrate 50 years of independence.”

The Golden Years, A Golden Celebration – by James Dauris

“A relationship founded on an agreement of protected independence in the past has developed into a relationship today that is wide-ranging and contemporary,” writes James Dauris, the British High Commissioner to the Maldives.

MDP cries foul over government refusal to honour deal

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on President Abdulla Yameen to honour commitments made to release former president Mohamed Nasheed and other jailed politicians.

Independence Day celebrations kick off with fireworks

Thousands watched in awe as the night sky over Malé lit up for more than half an hour with the largest display of fireworks the country has ever seen.

Nasheed’s sentence was commuted to house arrest before state decision to appeal

Questioning the state’s decision to appeal a terrorism conviction against former President Mohamed Nasheed, lawyers revealed today that the opposition leader’s 13-year jail sentence was commuted to house arrest on July 19. The sudden reversal of stance on freeing Nasheed may affect ongoing talks, they said.

PG to appeal former president’s terrorism conviction

Citing irregularities and rights violations in the terrorism trial of former president Mohamed Nasheed, the Prosecutor General has announced today that he will appeal the criminal court’s verdict.

Government tight-lipped over rumors of a pardon for Nasheed

Attorney General Mohamed Anil today dampened talk of an imminent pardon for former president Mohamed Nasheed and the commutation of ex defense minister Mohamed Nazim’s jail sentence to house arrest, saying he is yet to receive any information on the matter.

Foreign freeholds will not threaten Indian Ocean security, assures President Yameen

After ratifying the second amendment to the constitution today, President Yameen sought to allay fears over foreign ownership of land in the Maldives, assuring the public that freeholds will not threat Indian Ocean security or lead to “enslavement” and scarcity of land.

Gayoom’s call for referendum on foreign freeholds dismissed

Dismissing former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s call for a public referendum on foreign freeholds in the Maldives, vice president Ahmed Adeeb said today: “The former president has raised his personal concerns. But the president of Maldives today is President Abdulla Yameen.”

STO cautions against panic buying as hundreds queue for petrol

STO cautions against panic buying as hundreds queue for petrol

“There is absolutely no shortage. We are operating out petrol stations at normal hours, but only rationing petrol because some people are buying petrol in bulk,” an STO media official told Minivan News.

Amendments raise fear of Chinese military expansion in the Maldives

Proposed constitutional amendments to allow foreign ownership of land in the Maldives will allow China to establish military facilities in the Maldives and destabilize the Indian Ocean, a source within the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said.

Second amendment on foreign land ownership likely to pass

Some 64 MPs voted to consider the constitutional amendment and sent it to a special committee for review. Minority leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the government must consider Indian Ocean security in awarding land to foreign parties. A final vote is expected on Wednesday afternoon.

Constitutional amendment on foreign land ownership up for debate tonight

A parliamentary debate on amending the constitution to allow foreigners to own land in the Maldives will be up for debate at an extraordinary parliament sitting tonight, only hours after it was submitted to parliament.