Politics

Faris Maumoon prevented from visiting dying aunt

The home ministry claimed the lawmaker was barred from leaving the Maldives because he might stay overseas to impede an ongoing investigation.

Adeeb seeks medical leave from prison

Jailed former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has sought permission to travel overseas for the treatment of glaucoma, kidney stones and internal cysts.

Sheikh Imran and Nazim transferred to house arrest

The high-profile prisoners were transferred for the duration of the fasting month of Ramadan, which began Saturday.

President restricts powers of Fuvahmulah city council

After deliberations with the cabinet, President Abdulla Yameen decided Wednesday that the newly-elected Fuvahmulah city council will have the same powers and responsibilities as the Malé and Addu city councils.

Media council backtracks on defamation complaints

The print and online media regulator had asked journalists from Raajje TV, VFP and Mihaaru to submit their defence to defamation complaints filed by the former chief communication officer at the president’s office.

Elections Commission to disburse funds for political parties

With 39,502 members, the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives will receive MVR10 million (US$648,508). The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party with 29,350 members is entitled to MVR7.5 million (US$486,400).

‘A dark day’: lawyers and legal experts react to supreme court judgment

The supreme court’s judgment declaring itself the final authority on the validity of no-confidence and impeachment votes has drawn widespread criticism from lawyers, lawmakers and legal experts.

Defence ministry overpaid contractor for housing project

The ministry of defence and national security overpaid a private contractor MVR92 million (US$6 million) for a housing project in 2015, an audit report has found.

Supreme court to decide legitimacy of parliament’s removal of state officials

The supreme court has declared itself the final authority to determine the validity of the parliament’s removal of the president, vice president, ministers, judges, the auditor general, prosecutor general and members of independent institutions.

President’s office denies filing defamation complaints

Despite the denial, the Maldives Media Council has asked six Raajje TV journalists and VFP’s editor to respond to several complaints filed by the president’s office about articles deemed defamatory towards First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim.

President departs to attend Arab Islamic American Summit

Leaders from more than 50 Arab and Islamic states from around the world will meet with US President Donald Trump at the summit “to renew their collective commitment to confronting the threat of violent extremism and global terrorism,” according to the Saudi government.

Court hears closing arguments in MP Riyaz’s trial

The criminal court heard closing arguments Tuesday in Jumhooree Party MP Abdulla Riyaz’s trial on an obstruction charge raised over his refusal to unlock his mobile phone.

Judge lifts conditions imposed on Gasim

The move comes after the police apologised for falsely claiming in court that a case against the opposition lawmaker had not been sent for prosecution.

Yameen lashes out at opposition after election loss

The ruling coalition should learn lessons from the loss in the May 6 local council elections, Yameen said, but contended that an “alternative narrative” could be told about the results.

Gasim’s lawyers accuse police of lying in court

Council elections turnout at 66 percent

Contrary to media reports and claims by ruling party lawmakers and ministers, the turnout in the capital was 42 percent and voters turned out in much higher numbers in the rest of the country.

Man stabbed in Malé

A 20-year-old man was stabbed Monday night near the Villimalé ferry terminal in the capital Malé. No arrests have been made so far.

Opposition candidate secures Kuribee council seat after recount

A recount of votes from a ballot box on the island of Kuribee in Haa Dhaal atoll has changed the result and averted a second round of voting between three candidates tied in third place.

Supreme court asked to restrict parliament’s powers to sack ministers

The Attorney General’s office has asked the supreme court to determine that the parliament can only dismiss cabinet ministers for committing an impeachable offence.

Female candidates win majorities on four island councils

Female candidates won majorities on island councils for the first time in the Maldives’ third municipal elections on May 6.