Politics

MPs raise concern over Addu power cuts, expenses for independence celebrations

Opposition MPs are raising questions over the government’s use of some MVR150million (US$9.7million) for the Golden Jubilee of Independence celebrations and persistent power outages in southern Addu City

Parliament rejects bills proposed by opposition MPs

The parliament has rejected two pieces of legislation submitted by main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs on imposing price controls for staple foodstuffs and dissolving inactive companies.

Terrorism bill could suppress political activity, warn opposition MPs

The draft legislation states that inciting violence at demonstrations and threatening the country’s independence and sovereignty will be considered acts of terrorism and specifies penalties of up to 25 years in jail.

Saudi Arabia opens embassy in Maldives

Saudi Arabia opened an embassy in the Maldives for the first time on Sunday as agreed upon during President Abdulla Yameen’s state visit to the kingdom in March.

Official accused of corruption nominated to human rights watchdog

President Abdulla Yameen has nominated to the human rights watchdog an official accused of defrauding the state of MVR24million (US$1.55million) in 2009 and 2011.

Yameen welcomes state appeal of ex-president’s terrorism conviction

Welcoming the Prosecutor General’s decision to appeal a terrorism conviction against former president Mohamed Nasheed, President Abdulla Yameen today pledged to do all he can to address the opposition leader’s concerns through the Maldivian judicial processes.

Supreme Court blocks appeals of decade-old rulings

The Supreme Court has annulled a High Court ruling on a 46-year-old land dispute, claiming the court’s decision to reopen the case disrupted the system of governance and upset the peace.

Campaign against foreign freeholds gains more support

The Youth Integrity Network (YIN) called on President Abdulla Yameen to revoke the amendment last night and joined hands with youth movement Heylaa [Awake] in organizing a rally on Friday (August 7).

MDP undecided on continuation of talks

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) remains undecided on continuing talks with the government despite alleging President Abdulla Yameen had failed to honour a commitment to release former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Terrorism charge against Nasheed must be overturned, says lawyers

The Prosecutor General must ask the High court to declare the terrorism charges he had filed against former President Mohamed Nasheed as invalid, lawyers have argued in a letter today.

Council by-elections cancelled after president ratifies changes to decentralisation law

The fifth amendment to the Decentralisation Act ratified by President Abdulla Yameen on Wednesday states that by-elections must not be held if an island, atoll, or city councillor resigns one year after the local council elections.

Youth group calls for referendum on foreign freeholds

A youth group has called for a march on August 7 to urging President Abdulla Yameen to hold a public referendum on a constitutional amendment that allows foreigners to own land in the Maldives.

Government and opposition express condolences over death of former Indian president

The High Commission of India in Malé announced that a condolence book will be kept open at its office from 10:00am to 1:00pm on July 29 and 30 “for those who wish to pay their last respects to late President A P J Abdul Kalam.”

China denies planning military bases in Maldives

China “has always respected and supported the Maldives’ efforts to maintain its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” the Chinese foreign ministry has said. “What the relevant people said about China building bases in the Maldives is totally baseless,” it added.

Maldives placed back on US human trafficking watch list

“The government did not initiate any prosecutions and there were no convictions in 2014, a decrease from one conviction in 2013, and some officials warned businesses in advance of planned raids to investigate suspected trafficking offences or other labour abuses,” reads the US State Department’s 2015 Trafficking in Persons report.

President Yameen slams foreign interference in Independence Day address

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.

Timeline – Story of Independence