Politics

No intention of buying land in Maldives, asserts Saudi embassy

The Saudi Arabian government has no intention of investing in a mega project or buying an island or atoll in the Maldives, the Saudi embassy has asserted, dismissing the “widely circulated baseless and unfounded allegations”.

Gayoom forced to leave without military bodyguards

The former president’s military bodyguards were prevented from accompanying him on a private visit to India, delaying his flight by an hour after the security personnel were forced to remove their luggage.

Government denies ‘selling off’ atoll to Saudi Arabia

The categorical denial comes after Climate Home reported former President Mohamed Nasheed and foreign policy experts raising the prospect of Saudi Arabia seeking a strategic anchor in the Maldives to secure an oil route to China.

Opposition announces protest against Faafu deal as police crackdown intensifies

After warning that “legal action” will be taken against “demeaning” activities during upcoming official visits, the police have raided the MDP’s meeting hall twice, painted over graffiti on Shaviyani Bileyfahi, and warned against putting up banners against the Faafu deal at the MDP’s campaign launch rally on Haa Alif Dhidhoo.

No-confidence motion filed to remove Speaker Maseeh

Opposition lawmakers have submitted a no-confidence motion to remove Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, posing the first credible challenge to President Abdulla Yameen’s previously unassailable majority in parliament.

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.