Politics

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.

Legal changes propose removal of convicted judges without parliament vote

A ruling party lawmaker proposed amending the Judges Act to trigger automatic removal if a judge is convicted of a criminal offence, bypassing the parliamentary vote called for by the constitution.

Opposition supporters protest in Sri Lanka

The demonstration in Colombo was the first one outside the Maldives since last month’s Supreme Court ruling and state of emergency declaration.

Shareef made new Elections Commission chief

With only ruling coalition lawmakers present, President Abdulla Yameen’s nominee to the five-member electoral body was approved with 33 votes from the 85-member house.

PPM proposes anti-defection law to penalise floor crossing

The ruling party has proposed an anti-defection law to penalise floor crossing and strip lawmakers of their seats for switching parties.

President nominates utility boss to Elections Commission

Local media reported Sunday that former MP Ahmed Shareef Adam was the only candidate sent for parliamentary approval out of those who applied to the president’s office.

Three MPs among detainees from #OccupyMajeedheeMagu protest

Special Ops police in riot gear moved in swiftly after opposition supporters gathered around 4:30 pm in four spots along Malé’s main thoroughfare, setting up barricades, pepper spraying and charging protesters.