Politics


Sri Lanka brokered deal for Nasheed’s release in jeopardy
Home Minister Umar Naseer, who had refused to meet UK Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire today, is now claiming Nasheed tore up state documents.
18 Jan 2016, 09:00


Independent MP on trial for ‘obstructing police duty’
Independent MP Ahmed Mahloof is facing trial on charges of obstructing police duty with a first hearing scheduled for February 11. The MP for Galolhu South was summoned to the criminal court this morning, informed of the the trial date, and asked to appoint a lawyer.
18 Jan 2016, 09:00


Testy tug-of-war continues over Nasheed’s foreign trip
The government today promised top diplomats that it would withdraw conditions for Nasheed’s UK trip, but the home minister remains adamant and has levelled a series of wild accusations at the former president, including a tweet claiming Nasheed had spat on a prisons staff. Lawyers have been barred from visits now.
18 Jan 2016, 09:00


Maldives ‘demanded a hostage’ for ex-president’s travel to UK
President Abdulla Yameen has backtracked on an “unconditional promise” to allow jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed to travel to the United Kingdom for medical care, and is demanding that a family member remain in Malé until he returns from medical treatment.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00


Sheikh Imran’s terrorism trial resumes with heated hearing
Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla’s speech at an anti-government demonstration in May constitutes terrorism, state prosecutors insisted today at a hearing that saw heated exchanges between the presiding judge and defence lawyers.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00


Nasheed’s lawyers win US Congress support for Maldives sanctions
In her first-ever interview with a US television network, Mohamed Nasheed’s heavyweight human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, wife of actor George, said she had won support for the introduction of a congressional resolution calling for sanctions against members of the Maldives’ current regime until they free her client.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00


India, Sri Lanka ‘lobbying’ Maldives for ex-president’s release
Lobbying by Maldives’ neighbours India and Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in President Abdulla Yameen’s sudden change of heart in authorising jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed’s travel to the UK for medical treatment, according to media reports.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00


UK minister of state meets President Yameen
Swire’s visit follows the government’s sudden change of heart in authorising jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed’s travel to the UK for medical treatment. Indian and Sri Lankan media reported today that lobbying efforts by the Maldives’ neighbours were responsible for the government’s u-turn.
17 Jan 2016, 09:00


Nasheed to travel to UK for surgery
Jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed has been granted leave to travel to the United Kingdom for a surgery on his spine, the ministry of foreign affairs has announced in a tweet.
16 Jan 2016, 09:00


Senior statesman quits opposition
Zaki was as a special envoy of former President Mohamed Nasheed under the three-year MDP government. He also held various cabinet portfolios during the 30-year reign of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, including the tourism ministry and the planning and development ministry.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00


Senator McCain ‘standing for human rights in the Maldives’
Jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed’s international lawyers Jared Genser and Amal Clooney met with US Senator John McCain yesterday as their campaign seeking targeted sanctions to secure the opposition leader’s release intensifies.
14 Jan 2016, 09:00


New Indian High Commissioner takes up post
The new Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Akilesh Mishra, presented his credentials to President Abdulla Yameen this morning. Mishra, formerly India’s consul general in Toronto, Canada, replaces outgoing High Commissioner Rajeev Shahare.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00


US urged to impose targeted sanctions against Maldives officials
President Abdulla Yameen’s repressive rule, “blind-eye” to religious extremism, and pervasive human rights abuses, which include the jailing of former President Mohamed Nasheed, “constitute an extraordinary threat to US national security and foreign policy,” renowned campaign group Freedom Now has said.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00


Bullet parts discovered on Maldives island
Parts of bullets used in military training exercises have been discovered in an island in north-central Raa Atoll, according to the police.
13 Jan 2016, 09:00


Judges required to seek Supreme Court approval for time off from work
“It has come to our attention that courts are not able to hold hearings as per court schedules because many judges are on leave at the same time. Henceforth, judges of any court in the Maldives are required to obtain permission from the Supreme Court to take leave from work,” the Supreme Court said.
12 Jan 2016, 09:00


Indian foreign secretary pledges “continued support” during official visit
During a courtesy call at the president’s office yesterday, Dr Jaishankar and President Abdulla Yameen “spoke of supporting each other in the international arena and in times of political distress.” The current administration is facing sanctions and mounting diplomatic pressure over the imprisonment of opposition leaders including former President Mohamed Nasheed.
12 Jan 2016, 09:00


Ex vice president’s comments on Nasheed’s transfer to house-imprisonment ‘not true’
The president’s office said that former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb’s claims were baseless and that of a man who stood “accused of dangerous activities.”
12 Jan 2016, 09:00


President Yameen’s plans for a new deputy unclear
The ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives says it does not know if President Abdulla Yameen’s plans to appoint a new deputy, but said MPs are considering amending the constitution to reduce the number of votes required to impeach the vice president.
12 Jan 2016, 09:00


Two arrested as discontent boils over Kulhudhuffushi woman’s death
Two men were arrested in Kulhudhuffushi for calling for prolonged protests over a primary school teacher’s death following a botched caesarean section.
11 Jan 2016, 09:00


Yameen commuted Nasheed’s jail sentence, says Adeeb
Detained former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has confirmed the authenticity of a document authorizing former President Mohamed Nasheed’s transfer from jail to house-imprisonment.
11 Jan 2016, 09:00

