Maldives News

Three-hour play, skydiving among Independence day activities

A three-hour play with 2,000 students from across the country and a skydiving event are among activities planned to mark 50 years of independence.

Rumors abound over PPM split on appointment of new vice president

President Abdulla Yameen’s silence on the new appointment, rumors over Gayoom’s opposition and the “ISupportAdeeb4VP” campaign has triggered speculation that Adeeb’s appointment as the new deputy may not be as certain as it appeared in late June.

Comment: Will the new anti-terror bill deter Maldivian ‘Jihadists’?

The anti-terror bill metes out up to 20 years in jail for Maldivians who join foreign wars. But how effective can harsh penalties be when the government is yet to publicly acknowledge how wide spread extremism is in the Maldives? asks Mohamed Hameed, the former head of the police intelligence directorate.

May Day protester pleads guilty to assaulting police officer

Plastic palms placed on Malé streets in rush to prepare for independence day

Plastic palm trees have been placed on Malé’s streets and several areas at Male’s waterfront have been closed off as the government rushes to complete major renovation projects including a new official jetty and a musical water fountain at the Republic Square before July 26.

President’s office minister Abdulla Ameen resigns

President’s office minister Abdulla Ameen has resigned from the government. President’s office spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz Ali said Ameen submitted his letter of resignation yesterday, but “did not state a particular reason for the resignation in the letter.”

Freedom for ex president on the horizon, suggests MDP

Following a third meeting of talks with the government, the MDP has raised hope of freedom for convicted opposition leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed by July 26, the day Maldives marks 50 years of independence from the British.

Islamic ministry flags publication of religious books without permission

In a recent announcement, the Islamic ministry noted that the 1994 religious unity law requires written permission from the ministry to preach, deliver sermons, and publish books concerning religion.

Mandhu College announces partnership with international universities

No evidence linking reported abduction to Rilwan disappearance, says police

The police said today that it has received DNA analysis of samples taken from three cars suspected to have been used in the abduction outside Rilwan’s apartment, but could not “conclusively state” that there was a connection between the incident and the Minivian News journalist’s disappearance.

JP leader Gasim returns to Maldives

Gasim Ibrahim, the leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) returned to Maldives today after the government removed a freeze on his Villa Group accounts over an alleged unpaid fine of US$90.4million.

On social media, an outpouring of support for ex university vice chancellor

The resignation of Dr Hassan Hameed, the vice chancellor of the Maldives National University, has elicited an outpouring of support on social media and a campaign requesting President Abdulla Yameen to re-appoint him to the university board.

Comment: Did former Maldives leader receive a fair trial?

In such a politically charged case, media reporting can take a sensationalist and selective approach, writes Toby Cadman. “As with all cases, there are two sides to any argument, but the government’s position has not been given any attention and the offence for which the former president was convicted has been unnecessarily trivialized.”

Government responds to UN on ex-president’s terrorism trial

The Maldivian government, in a response to the UN working group on arbitrary detention today, contended a terrorism conviction against former president Mohamed Nasheed was not politically motivated and that allegations of lack of due process is factually incorrect.

The campaign for the vice presidency

Vice president Mohamed Jameel Ahmed remains in London and will issue a written response ahead of his imminent impeachment as supporters of the tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb began a campaign backing him for the position. His appointment as the new vice president appeared momentarily in doubt this week

Third meeting of talks rescheduled for Sunday

The president’s office has scheduled a third meeting in ongoing talks with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for Sunday, July 12.

Ex-president’s wife continues high-profile campaign in Europe

Laila Ali met with the president of the European Union parliament Martic Schulz in Strausberg, Germany, on Tuesday and met the UN high commissioner on human rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein in Geneva, Switzerland in a campaign to free ex-president Mohamed Nasheed.

Third meeting of talks cancelled

The government has cancelled a third meeting in ongoing talks with the MDP as some ministers are out of the country, the president’s office has said.

Corruption alleged in use of MVR150m budget for independence day

The ACC is investigating corruption in the home ministry’s use of an MVR150million budget allotted for independence day activities. The ministry is accused of awarding lucrative projects to private companies without a bidding process.

Trial begins for eight suspects accused of assaulting police officer