Politics

Maldives defends Saudi Arabia over UN report on killing Yemen children

The Maldives mission in New York claimed that “the allegations levelled against the [Saudi-led] coalition were based not on first-hand observation by the officials of the United Nations, but regrettably, on reports by various other parties, including NGOs.”

Yameen condemns opposition’s ‘anarchist, ruinous ideology’

Accusing the opposition of “advocating the destruction of institutions” and “calling for attacks against the police and military”, Yameen said: “These aren’t characteristics of democracy. Political leaders cannot openly criticise the courts and the judiciary.”

Finance ministry under fire for party funding delay

The Political Parties Act mandates the issue of state funds to parties with members over 10,000 within the first three months of the year.

JP mulls primaries as part of reform efforts

The opposition Jumhooree Party (JP) is mulling the idea of presidential primaries and regional branches as part of reform efforts.

Majlis continues over din of opposition protest

Speaker Maseeh concluded Tuesday’s brief sitting after calling votes on approving new vice presidents for the Civil Service Commission and the Human Rights Commission.

MBC member under fire after Yameen event snaps emerge

Fathimath Zaina, who worked as an aide to First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim before joining the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, was photographed handing out seating arrangements to people at a rally Monday night.

Maldives legal teams ‘decimated’ after mass lawyer suspension, says UN expert

“This alarming mass suspension clearly did not abide by international standards regulating disciplinary proceedings against lawyers and protecting their independence, and I strongly condemn it,” said the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

Majlis resumes with five-foot wall around embattled speaker

In the face of vociferous chants for his resignation, Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed concluded the sitting in less than 15 minutes after calling a vote on minor changes to the Majlis standing orders.

Gasim’s family asks for medical leave extension

Gasim’s son Ibrahim Siyad Gasim wrote to the Maldives Correctional Service saying doctors had advised him to stay in Singapore until October 28 for tests.

Raajje TV to appeal MBC fine, sue police

Raajje TV has plans to appeal the Maldives Broadcasting Commission decision to fine the station, also saying Monday it is suing the police for negligence over a 2013 arson attack that destroyed its studio.

Maldives issues sovereign guarantee for US$370 million Chinese loan

The sovereign guarantee was issued for a US$370 million (MVR5.6 billion) loan for the development of 7,000 housing units in the capital’s suburb Hulhumalé.

Maldives hits out at ‘baseless’ European Parliament allegations

The Maldives has lashed out at the European Parliament after it called for individual targeted sanctions over “the deteriorating political and human rights situation in the Maldives and the increasingly authoritarian rule of President Abdulla Yameen”.

European parliament calls for targeted sanctions over ‘dramatic deterioration’ of Maldives democracy

The resolution urged member states to “publish travel information, warning European citizens about the great discrepancy in the Maldives between the liberal treatment reserved to foreign tourists in complete segregation from the Maldivian population and the increasingly repressive rules applying to its citizens”.

Opposition lawmakers summoned to police

Three opposition lawmakers were Thursday summoned to police headquarters as investigations continue into the alleged obstruction and assault of security officers inside the parliament chamber earlier this year.

Prisons authority asks for police help to bring back Gasim

The Maldives prisons authority has formally sought police assistance to bring back Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim, whose medical leave in Singapore expired Monday night.

Media warned over online video coverage from MPs

Gasim can be declared fugitive says prison authority

Dhidhoo council president suspended over housing ministry row

The council president of Dhidhoo island in northern Haa Alif atoll has been suspended in connection with a pending investigation related to newly built housing units on the island.

Suspension lifted for sixteen more lawyers

The suspension was reportedly lifted after the lawyers formally apologised in writing to the apex court for signing a petition calling for judicial reform.

Maldives downplays UK warning of ‘very likely’ terror attack

Playing down the United Kingdom’s updated travel advice to the country which said terrorists were “very likely” to carry out an attack, the ambassador to the UK stressed the tropical paradise “remains one of the safest destinations in the world”.