Politics

Foreign journalists invited by government held up at airport

Three foreign journalists who arrived last Tuesday on an invitation from the government were threatened with deportation for seeking to enter the country without undergoing a mandatory vetting process.

Hefty fines imposed on Raajje TV in first anti-defamation punitive action

The broadcasting regulator has slapped an MVR200,000 (US$13,000) fine on the opposition-aligned Raajje TV and an MVR50,000 (US$3,200) fine on a journalist in the first punitive action taken under the controversial 2016 defamation law.

PPM backs barring soldiers from voting

Majority Leader Ahmed Nihan contended that the changes are necessary to ensure public confidence in the military, insisting that the party is working “genuinely with honest intentions” for the good of the military.

MDP warns of ‘creeping colonialism’ by Saudi Arabia

Police crack down as Faafu protesters demand answers over Saudi-funded project

“What we are saying is we are worried. Half or two-third of our atoll may be sold and people don’t know what’s happening. Is it being sold, is it already sold, is it being leased? Give us that information,” a fishing boat captain involved in organising the protest on Biledhdhoo said.

MDP meeting hall raided over protests planned for Saudi king’s visit

Police officers have also been searching boats in Faafu atoll. A ferry called Endheri was searched in the early hours of Thursday morning and police officers have also been cutting open boxes of goods being brought in by local businesses.

Government wants to bar soldiers from voting

Citing the need to safeguard the army from political influences, Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar announced plans to amend the Armed Forces Act this year, prompting opposition lawmakers to denounce the move as unconstitutional.

Resignation of ports company head prompts reshuffle

Maldives Ports Limited CEO Mohamed Junaid resigned in the wake of a widely publicised feud with a ruling party lawmaker over a disputed fuel supply deal. He has been replaced by the former managing director of the state-owned Maldives Roads Development Corporation.

No cause for concern over ‘US$10bn Faafu atoll project,’ insists Yameen

The Faafu project will be similar to “mixed development projects in French Riviera” with “international sea sports, mixed development, residential high-class development, many tourist resorts, many airports,” Yameen said.

Maldives seeks third term on UN Human Rights Council

Despite the foreign minister claiming successful consolidation of democracy, the curtailment of fundamental rights and the widely condemned imprisonment of opposition leaders during President Abdulla Yameen’s three-year administration has prompted fears of an “authoritarian reversal.”

Judiciary denies closing high court northern branch after transferring staff to Malé

The department of judicial administration insisted that the northern branch on the island of Kulhudhufushi has not been shut down due to budget constraints. The judiciary was mandated to set up the branch by legal changes approved more than two years ago.

Top lawyers resign amid ‘discontent’ in chief prosecutor’s office

Following the resignation of two top prosecutors, sources from the Prosecutor General’s office have alleged that Bisham’s “abrasive” demeanour and short temper have contributed to growing discontent among her staff.

Police accused of seeking false testimony to arrest Gayoom

Zaidul Ameen, a Malé city councillor under arrest on a blackmailing charge, has accused a senior police officer of threatening to keep him in custody until he gives false testimony that could be used to arrest former President Gayoom.

Judicial watchdog backs supreme court’s sacking of judge

The Judicial Service Commission decided at a meeting on Monday that it does not have to take further action since the constitution declares the supreme court to be “the final authority” on all matters dealt with by a court of law.

Government tight-lipped amid growing clamour to reveal Saudi project for Faafu atoll

Speculation of the imminent sale of Faafu atoll to the Saudi royal family intensified this week when the media learned of the Saudi King’s upcoming official visit to the Maldives, prompting concerns over the scope for corruption, threats to sovereignty, and potential damage to the environment.

Nasheed receives Courage Award at Geneva human rights summit

The convicted opposition leader was bestowed the prestigious ‘2017 Courage Award’ by a coalition of 25 international human rights groups at the ninth annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.

Jailed lawmaker leaves for medical treatment in India

Independent MP Ahmed Mahloof has issued several press statements from jail during the past month, expressing concern over the treatment of inmates at the Maafushi jail and criticising the judiciary, Yameen’s state of the nation address, and the change of burials from the capital to Hulhumalé.

Saudi king to visit Maldives in March

King Salman had accepted an invitation to visit the Maldives during President Abdulla Yameen’s second official visit to Saudi Arabia in October last year.

Campaigning underway for April’s local council elections

Both the PPM and MDP have been gearing up for the campaign in recent days. The stakes in the Maldives’ third local council election are higher than the previous polls as it will put claims of overwhelming public support to the test.

Top Chinese diplomat concludes official visit to Maldives

During the three-day visit, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou visited the project site of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and inspected expansion work at both the Velana International Airport and a China-funded social housing project in Hulhumalé.