Maldives

“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.

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.”

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.

My life was under threat, says former vice president

Accusing President Abdulla Yameen and MPs of treachery and destroying the constitutional order, impeached vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed said he had received threats to his life when he refused to resign.

Vice president’s lawyer barred from impeachment proceedings

The People’s Majlis has barred vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed’s lawyer from responding to charges on his behalf before an impeachment vote at tomorrow’s parliament sitting.

Ex president’s lawyer denied work visa

Jared Genser, a member of former president Mohamed Nasheed’s international legal team was denied a business visa upon his arrival in the Maldives today.

Quitting Commonwealth will be “a huge mistake,” says vice president

“We should never allow the heat of politics to cause long lasting damage to national interests,” vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed said ahead of a parliament debate on quitting the Commonwealth today.

President requests Majlis counsel on leaving Commonwealth

PPM MPs held a meeting with President Abdulla Yameen, the attorney general and the tourism minister today after the president requested parliamentary counsel on leaving the Commonwealth. The matter is up for debate at the parliament tomorrow.

‘Drug trafficker’ acquitted on lapses highlighted in former president’s trial

‘Drug trafficker’ acquitted on lapses highlighted in former president’s trial

Citing severe procedural irregularities, the Supreme Court on Thursday acquitted a man sentenced to life in prison over drug trafficking charges. The irregularities are similar to those highlighted by ex president Mohamed Nasheed and ex defence minister Mohamed Nazim in their criminal court trials.

Afrasheem murder suspect’s departure to Syria under investigation

President Abdulla Yameen has ordered the police to launch an investigation into how a suspect in the murder of MP Afrasheem Ali was allowed to leave the Maldives and travel to Syria in early January.

Comment: Special laws must not pre-empt general criminal law