Politics

Supreme Court urged to lift mass suspension of lawyers

“None of the 56 lawyers has been allowed to exercise their right to defend themselves or be heard before a disciplinary action,” noted the International Commission of Jurists, Transparency International, Forum Asia, and Frontline Defenders together with local NGO Maldivian Democracy Network.

Maldives decries UN human rights chief’s criticism over crackdown on dissent

In his opening statement Monday at the UN Human Rights Council’s 36th session in Geneva, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussain said the Maldivian government was “increasingly cracking down on critical views” and expressed concern about “reports of continued violations of the right to a fair trial, and allegations of political bias by the judiciary and law enforcement authorities.”

Party talks flounder over release of opposition leaders

Proposed talks between the government and opposition have collapsed with both sides blaming the other for the failure to resolve a protracted political crisis through dialogue.

54 lawyers suspended over ‘unlawful’ judicial reform petition

The four-party opposition coalition reacted to the unprecedented mass suspension by calling on the international community to consider imposing targeted travel and financial sanctions on Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed.

US concerned with ‘status of rule of law and democracy’ in Maldives

The Maldives has produced more terrorists who have fought in Iraq and Syria than any other country in the world,” Acting Assistant Secretary Alice Wells told a congressional committee hearing on ‘Maintaining US influence in South Asia.’

Gasim departs for Singapore on 10-day medical leave

The 67-year-old business tycoon was allowed to leave with a travel document nearly two weeks after he was found guilty of attempted bribery and sentenced to more than three years in prison.

Ex-PPM MP stripped of seat

The former Jumhooree Party MP expressed defiance on social media and insisted that he “remain in the post [that I was] elected to by the people in accordance with the constitution”.

Maldives severs trade ties with Myanmar

The Maldives expressed concern with “the recent cycle of violence that resulted in the death of dozens of Rohingya Muslims and displacing several thousands.”

Lawyers slam ‘shameful’ treatment of Gasim

Despite assurances from Home Minister Azleen Ahmed last week that medical leave will be authorised within days, the Attorney General’s office appealed the part of Gasim’s verdict that ordered the authorities to arrange treatment abroad.

New Chinese ambassador presents credentials amid criticism of Sino-Maldives ties

The new ambassador began his term in the wake of strong criticism of Sino-Maldives ties from exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed during a visit to India.

India visit a signal from Delhi to Maldives, says Nasheed

“I’m a convict and I was sentenced to 13 years in jail for terrorism. And yet, I’ve been invited to India. There is a message here, you have to be blind if you don’t see it,” Nasheed said during an interactive session with the media at Brookings India.

Government renews invitation for political party talks

The government has asked opposition parties and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to propose reforms to revive the failed all-party talks, Fisheries Minister Dr Mohamed Shainee told the press.

President’s envoys visit Gasim in hospital

The visit came amid criticism over delays in authorising medical leave for the convicted opposition lawmaker. Azleen told the state broadcaster that Gasim will be allowed to travel overseas within two or three days.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan urged to cancel Maldives visit

The legendary actor is scheduled to speak at the annual session of the World Health Organisation’s regional committee for Southeast Asia due to begin on September 6 at the Paradise Island Resort near Malé.

Gayoom calls on security forces to stop by-elections

The electoral body called the by-elections shortly after the apex court ruled that there was no room to adjudicate cases filed by four former Progressive Party of Maldives lawmakers who were deemed to have lost their seats for crossing the floor.

Police withdraws security for Judge Bari’s family

The former chief judge of the criminal court has accused the police of withdrawing security for his family after he threatened to expose “the evil-doing of ignorant tyrants”.

Electoral body calls by-elections as both sides celebrate Supreme Court ruling

The Elections Commission has announced by-elections after a much anticipated Supreme Court decision on the disputed status of four lawmakers saw both sides claim victory with opposing interpretations.

Gasim sentenced in absentia to three years, stripped of seat

Judge Adam Arif delivered the verdict in absentia while the 67-year-old opposition lawmaker remained hospitalised after collapsing inside the courtroom Thursday afternoon.

Court hears witnesses in Gasim’s bribery trial

Majlis breaks for recess after approving central bank governor

After heated exchanges descended into brawls Wednesday morning, opposition and pro-government lawmakers accused each other today of throwing eggs.