Politics

Key witness in MP Faris bribery trial alleges coercion

Ahmed Shafiu, a Jumhooree Party activist, accused ruling party MP Ahmed Rasheed Ibrahim of seeking false testimony to support bribery charges against MP Faris Maumoon.

Sri Lanka aiding opposition coup plots, alleges lawmaker

MP Riyaz Rasheed told the press he was concerned that neighbouring countries were allowing exiled Maldivian politicians to plot attempts to oust President Abdulla Yameen.

‘No chance’ for Nasheed in 2018 election

Ruling party lawmakers Wednesday rushed to declare that former President Mohamed Nasheed cannot contest in the 2018 presidential election after he asserted that foreign pressure would secure his candidacy.

‘Too early’ to discuss interim candidate, says Gayoom

Gayoom’s remarks fuelled speculation that the joint opposition parties have been unable to agree on choosing a non-politician as an interim leader as suggested by former President Mohamed Nasheed.

US, UK condemn Nazim’s 1000-day detention

Maldives former defence minister was found guilty of weapons smuggling in 2015 and sentenced to 11 years in prison, but a UN rights panel found he was not afforded a fair trial.

Faris bribery trial postponed

The son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom allegedly bribed a fellow lawmaker before a no-confidence vote against the parliament speaker in July.

Raajje TV pays fine as court appeal begins

Raajje TV was last month penalised for broadcasting remarks from an opposition MP, the third fine slapped on it this year by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission.

On anniversary of 1988 coup, Maldives threatened by ‘secularism and extremism’

Speaking at an event to mark the 29th anniversary of Victory Day, Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar said both secular or irreligious thought and religious extremism pose a threat to Maldivian independence.

Disqualification of three MPs ‘egregiously partisan move’

The EC informed parliament Tuesday that MPs Mohamed Musthafa, Saudhulla Hilmy and Ali Shah have lost their seats following their expulsion from the Progressive Party of Maldives.

Watchdog deferred inquiry into US$1m deposited to president’s account

A local company implicated in a historic corruption scandal deposited US$1 million into President Abdulla Yameen’s private account at the Maldives Islamic Bank, according to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Inquiry underway into quarrel between top police officers

Amid reports of reshuffles, dismissals and demotions of the highest-ranking police officers, an inquiry by a special committee at the president’s office is underway into a quarrel between Police Commissioner Ahmed Areef and Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Saudhy.

High Court overrules objections to bench change in MP Faris appeal

The presiding judge in the three-judge panel overseeing the case was changed after hearings concluded in early August. The lawmaker was arrested on a bribery charge in late July and placed under detention for the duration of the trial.

Expelled MPs left PPM months ago, says opposition

The opposition coalition disputed the expulsion of three lawmakers from the ruling party, a move that could unseat the MPs due to a Supreme Court anti-defection ruling and trigger by-elections in three more constituencies.

After building campaign hall, 40 housing ministry staff joins PPM

“I thank Minister [Dr Mohamed] Muiz very sincerely for making this jagaha so perfect. And Muiz’s talent is such that he has given courage to the housing ministry employees involved in this work to join our party,” President Abdulla Yameen said at the opening ceremony.

Broad powers for proposed media regulator

If written or broadcasted content is deemed to pose a danger to Islam, national security, public order or public health, the new Maldives Media Commission can ask the police to stop publication or broadcast.

Maldives opposition seeks EU help for free and fair election in 2018

The EU delegation’s visit comes after the European Parliament adopted a resolution earlier this month urging the Maldivian authorities to reform the judiciary, release political prisoners, and to guarantee the constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly.

PPM activities funded by government, alleges opposition

According to staff at the state-owned Housing Development Cooperation, the company’s social club helped organise the final match of First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim’s women’s sports bashi tournament at the national stadium on Friday night.

Ruling party lawmaker buys land in Malé

MP Ibrahim Falah, the deputy parliamentary group leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives, bought a 1,000 square foot plot of land in Malé for MVR4 million (US$259,403).

Funds released to political parties

Suspension lifted for eight lawyers

Of the 54 lawyers who were suspended in August for signing a petition calling for judicial reform, 17 are still barred from appearing in court.