Politics

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.

State prosecutors object to MP Faris trial delay

State prosecutor Aishath Mohamed says if the trial was delayed it would be difficult for the state to summon a witness and that it was Faris’ interest against society’s interest.

Opposition in talks over non-politician for presidential candidate

Ruling party MP Ahmed Nihan tweeted the opposition’s unity candidate would be the former Elections Commission president Fuwad Thowfeek.

Yameen urges voters to choose ‘development over obstruction’

“There are two ideologies in the Maldives now, that is do we opt for the path of development that would take the Maldives to the tallest heights that we want, or do we remain forever at the crossroads,” Yameen said.

Court orders removal of opposition banners ahead of Yameen visit

A warrant issued by the Raa Inguraidhoo magistrate court authorised the police to confiscate “banners, loudspeakers and sound systems” on suspicion that people are planning to “gather and create discord” during the official visit.

Government proposes new media regulatory body

A ruling party lawmaker has proposed legislation for the creation of a new media regulatory body after dissolving the existing broadcasting commission and media council.

MP Didi’s new lawyer gets two weeks to prepare for terrorism trial

The retired brigadier general’s trial has been stalled since August after his first lawyer was suspended over a judicial reform petition. A second lawyer withdrew from the case earlier this month for personal reasons.

Imran and Faris taken back to jail

Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla and MP Faris Maumoon were abruptly taken back to Maafushi jail Saturday after short periods under house arrest.