Politics

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

Key witness retracts bribery allegation against Faris

The prosecution’s key witness in MP Faris Maumoon’s bribery trial told the court on Monday that he did not take or ask for any money to back the opposition’s bid to impeach the parliament speaker.

Government had secret talks with Nasheed

Discussions were kept confidential, as requested by former president Mohamed Nasheed, but the minister said the government was forced to go public after the opposition violated an agreement and began discrediting the administration.

Gayoom accused of destroying evidence as lawyers allege ‘mental harm’

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was questioned for the first time on Saturday, 33 days after his arrest.

Gayoom refuses to cooperate with ‘illegal investigation’

Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom refused to cooperate with “an illegal investigation” when he was questioned for the first time after more than a month in police custody.

Maldives opposition seeks UN-mediated talks

In an open letter Friday, the allied parties asked President Yameen to clear up the government’s stance on talks after reports that a mediation offer from Secretary-General António Guterresr was declined.

‘Unwarranted and unconstructive’: Maldives slams UK-led call to end state of emergency

President Abdulla Yameen invoked emergency powers and suspended basic rights “primarily because the bench of the Supreme Court was beyond any measure of constitutional accountability,” the Maldives permanent representative told the UN Human Rights Council.

Soldiers block opposition protest in Laamu atoll

Despite police allowing the rally to go ahead from the atoll capital Gan, soldiers in riot gear blocked protesters on the causeway between the islands of Maandhoo and Kadhdho.

Opposition accused of planning and inciting violence

Police said investigations were under way after they had learned of plans to topple President Abdulla Yameen’s administration from the streets with arson attacks, bribery, petty crime and vandalism.

UN rights chief urges Maldives to ‘completely reverse’ emergency measures

“I am deeply concerned that the rule of law, which is the foundation of any democratic state, is being undermined,” Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussain said at the UN Human Rights Council.

Three arrested after MDP office raid

Three members of the Maldivian Democratic Party’s national council have been taken into custody after police raided the main opposition party’s office in Malé.