Politics

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

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.

Adhaalath leader transferred to high security prison

Sheikh Imran Abdulla was transferred from a police remand center to a high security prison on Thursday, prompting fears the government has reversed its conciliatory stance on making concessions for jailed politicians.

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.

Comment: Happy Independence Day

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.

Only one head of state to attend Maldives independence celebrations

While President Sirisena had accepted President Abdulla Yameen’s invitation, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was unable to attend “because of certain events in his country.” An invitation for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still open, foreign minister said.