Politics

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”.

Security forces descend on Villigili for Yameen visit

Hundreds of police and soldiers descended on Gaafu Alif atoll Villingili ahead of a visit from President Abdulla Yameen, cracking down on opposition protesters by removing banners and placards.

Gasim unable to return after 20-day medical leave, says family

“He actually cannot leave. As doctors have not authorised for him to fly, the airlines are refusing to sell tickets for him. We also requested that the MCS medical board review their decision,” said defence lawyer Hisaan Hussain.

Judge refuses to release MP Faris as bribery trial begins

At today’s preliminary hearing, the MP for Dhiggaru pleaded not guilty to the bribery charge after sparring with the state prosecutor, who was unable to say when he gave the bribe or how much money was involved.

Heightened security at Maldives airport ‘a precautionary measure’

Local media has meanwhile reported the arrest of a Maldivian on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack in collaboration with the Islamic State militant group.

Parliament restroom catches fire again

The military’s firemen put out flames inside the parliament building in the early hours of Sunday after a dustbin and tissue box at a restroom caught fire.

Fenaka audit exposes rampant corruption at utility corporation

A special audit flagged several suspicious transactions that unduly benefited private parties, including the purchase of dollars from businesses without money exchange licenses, the purchase of diesel at inflated prices, and the awarding of lucrative projects without a fair bidding process.

Yameen launches ‘Y18 Sports Fiesta’ for re-election campaign

The ‘Y18 Sports Fiesta’ organised by the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives as part of his 2018 re-election campaign.

Suspension lifted for 13 lawyers

Ambassador to Sri Lanka stands by threat to detain Nasheed

The ambassador-designate’s remarks prompted the opposition leader’s high-profile counsel Amal Clooney to warn that “any attempt by a Maldivian diplomat to detain President Nasheed in Sri Lanka would constitute a violation of international law as well as Sri Lankan criminal law.”

Maldives absence from UN vote on mass atrocities draws fierce criticism

“As powerful nations are allowed to intervene in domestic affairs of nations in the name of the Responsibility to Protect or R2P principle, the Maldives decided a very long time ago not to participate in votes at the UN general assembly aimed at taking action under R2P,” the foreign ministry said.

State revises charges against MP Faris

The Prosecutor General’s office has revised charges raised against MP Faris Maumoon from accepting bribes to offering to bribe fellow lawmakers to back the impeachment of the speaker.