Politics

Maldives rebukes India’s ‘unhelpful’ call to release prisoners

India called on the Maldivian authorities to “to implement the Supreme Court’s Full Bench order of 1 February 2018 and to support a genuine political dialogue with all opposition parties.”

Maldives state of emergency lifted

The 45-day emergency rule was ended effective Thursday noon despite “a diminished threat to national security, because the nation can now continue without further losses incurred, and upon the advice of the security services and in an effort to promote normalcy.”

MDP leaders released from detention under emergency powers

Leadership figures were arrested in the buildup to the March 16 mass protest after police alleged there were plans to overthrow the government by inciting unrest and violence in the capital.

Police dismantles Ihavandhoo opposition hut

Ihavandhoo island council president Mohamed Rasheed, who live-streamed the police team in action, suggested the authorities were vexed because people were gathering there to watch the opposition-aligned Raajje TV.

Opposition parliament leader remanded for nine days

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was arrested under the state of emergency, which deprives detainees of the right to be taken before a judge within 24 hours, but was later accused of entering the restricted Republic Square and obstructing police duty.

Eight more councillors suspended

The eight island councillors from Milandhoo, Hithadhoo and Gahdhoo join 17 councillors punished the previous day for calling on the authorities to execute a Supreme Court order to release political prisoners.

Maldives state of emergency detainees charged with terrorism

A former president, two judges, four lawmakers and the police chief conspired to instigate a coup with a Supreme Court order for the release of nine prisoners, the Prosecutor General’s office said Tuesday night, revealing charges against 11 suspects.

Supreme Court to rule on constitutionality of disputed laws

The Supreme Court concluded hearings Tuesday to decide whether it will hear the opposition’s challenge to the constitutionality of two controversial bills ratified last week.

17 opposition councillors suspended

Elected representatives from six opposition-dominated councils were suspended for urging the execution of a Supreme Court order for the release of political prisoners last month.

Anti-government protest subdued with mass arrests and tear gas

A much-anticipated opposition demonstration on Friday night was suppressed with mass arrests and tear gas fired to keep protesters out of the capital’s Republic Square.

Maldives government has ‘entered its death spiral’

Thousands filled the streets of Malé Friday night for anti-government rallies, with the opposition telling media the protests would continue until their demands were met.

Government seizes on EU criticism over freedom of religion

Calling for targeted sanctions in response to a protracted political crisis, a resolution adopted by the European parliament also strongly criticised “the fact that the practice of non-Muslim faiths is severely punishable in the Maldives.”

Maldives defiant after EU parliament calls for targeted sanctions

The Maldivian government said it “does not intend to prolong the state of emergency and plans to lift it as soon as the threats posed to national security are addressed satisfactorily.”

Three MPs arrested as police allege violent coup attempt

Three MPs were among 10 people arrested Wednesday night as police cracked down on “illegal demonstrations and violent riots” aimed at overthrowing the government.

Detainees stage hunger strike in Dhoonidhoo

About 50 people detained under state of emergency powers at the police detention centre on Dhoonidhoo have started a hunger strike, according to lawyers and the joint opposition parties.

Maldives tells India to stay away from crisis

Ministers briefed foreign media to reassure them about the situation and stress the normality of life outside Malé, which has borne the brunt of the turmoil since last month’s shock Supreme Court ruling and state of emergency declaration.

Anti-defection bill ratified

The sign-off means a dozen ex-ruling party MPs, who were already previously contentiously disqualified, have lost their seats in parliament.

End witch hunt of opposition, says Nasheed

Dozens of people have been arrested since a state of emergency was declared last month, including former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and two Supreme Court judges, with authorities alleging there was a plot to overthrow the government.

Islamic ministry admits Rohingya fund yet to reach refugees

“Administrative matters” have been completed and the money will be sent over as soon as possible, the ministry said.

Parliament approves legal changes punishing lawmakers and judges