Maldives

Maldives hires second public relations firm

The government of the Maldives has hired a second public relations firm, London-based BTP Advisers, the Maldives Independent can reveal.

Killed, exiled or deposed

Translation of President Yameen’s Oct 25 speech

President Abdulla Yameen’s speech on October 25, the day after his deputy Ahmed Adeeb’s arrest.

Maldives: state of insanity – part II

When a president with an army at his command and an armoury at his disposal has a bad trip or an episode of intense paranoia, the consequences can be markedly different from when an ordinary person has such experiences, writes Azra Naseem in the second part of the Finifenmaa blast chronicles.

The rule of fear in the Republic

With the ratification of the new anti-terror law, anyone in the country could have his or her enjoyment of human rights set back to dictatorship-era standards, to an extent that will make you question whether Maldives ever transitioned from it, argues Mushfique Mohamed.

Sri Lanka warns Maldives against regional instability

Sri Lanka has warned the Maldives against “regional instability,” slamming a state of emergency declared here in the wake of an explosion on the presidential speedboat that has seen a cross-border killing and arrests. Soon after the statement was issued, Maldives lifted the state of emergency.

Majlis removes Prosecutor General at midnight vote

The ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives dominated People’s Majlis has removed Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin in an abrupt vote at midnight.

Police ask for respect, opposition supporters demand justice

Opposition supporters have hit back at a letter from the Maldives Police Services asking for respect by publishing photos of police brutality and demanding justice for continued impunity.

Maldives lifts state of emergency

President Abdulla Yameen has lifted an unprecedented 30-day nationwide state of emergency after just six days, citing progress by the police in investigating threats posed by missing weapons and explosives.

Correcting a wrong with a wrong

After a year of multiple politically motivated trials, domestic and international observers are concerned of continuing due process violations in the Maldives, especially in that of the inquiry against former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb. Correcting a wrong with a wrong will only exacerbate the erosion of rule of law in the country.

Sri Lankan ‘sniper’ was arrested on charge of bribery

A Sri Lankan national that the Maldives government claims had attempted to assassinate President Abdulla Yameen with a firearm was arrested not on a charge of attempted murder, but on a charge of “distributing money to groups and attempting to create unrest,” according to a reliable source.

Why the Maldives Vice President’s Impeachment is Illegal

“My client, Ahmed Adeeb’s impeachment is illegal. Every incident that follows from this illegal vote should therefore be reversed,” writes Hussain Shameem, the former vice president’s lawyer.

Expulsion of ‘bomb plot suspect’ from Sri Lanka sparks diplomatic row

The expulsion of an 18-year-old Maldivian man from Sri Lanka on the request of the authorities here has sparked a diplomatic row. Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry has summoned High Commissioner Zahiya Zareer to express its displeasure, according to media reports.

Lawyer barred from visiting former vice president in jail

Police have barred lawyer of impeached vice president Ahmed Adeeb from prison visits, after the Supreme Court suspended his license to appear in courts. The apex court has since seized the authority to issue law licenses.

First Lady, injured in boat blast, released from hospital

Maldives First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim was released from hospital on Friday, more than a month after being admitted for injuries to her spine caused by an explosion on the presidential speedboat.

Sri Lankan sniper, hired to ‘assassinate president,’ detained in Maldives

A Sri Lankan national has been arrested on a charge of attempting to assassinate Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, the police revealed today.

Popular TV station suspends coverage after journalists’ arrest

Opposition aligned Raajje TV station has suspended coverage of political affairs following the brief detention of a fourth journalist today amidst an unprecedented nationwide state of emergency.

Police crash MDP ’emergency tea party,’ make arrests

At least 50 police officers today cordoned off the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s campaign offices and dispersed hundreds of supporters gathered for a tea party, held instead of a protest which was cancelled because of the ongoing state of emergency.

World not convinced of need for Maldives emergency

International human rights groups and the governments of the UK and the US have urged the Maldives to revoke a nationwide state of emergency and restore full constitutional freedoms.

Impeached vice president facing corruption, illegal weapons charges

Impeached Vice President Ahmed Adeeb is now facing prosecution on charges of bribing police officers into divulging state secrets and smuggling weapons, the police have said.