Politics

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”.

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.