Politics

President ‘halted’ central bank inquiry into money laundering

The opposition has renewed calls for Yameen’s arrest, claiming it has new evidence he instructed the central bank to halt an inquiry into the Maldives’ biggest ever corruption scandal.

MPs question government’s sincerity in tackling jihadi recruitment

Opposition leader to be investigated over arrest warrant for president

Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, the leader of the newly launched opposition coalition, is being investigated by the police on suspicion of links to a forged warrant for President Abdulla Yameen’s arrest.

Kenyan chief justice appointed Commonwealth special envoy to Maldives

Dr Willy Mutunga “will consult with all relevant stakeholders to encourage the strengthening of a pluralist, multi-party democracy, steps towards credible and inclusive presidential elections in 2018 and the advancement of reforms to give full effect to the separation of powers,” according to the Commonwealth.

Government unveils ‘zero tolerance’ counter-terrorism policy

The government has promised “swift measures” against Maldivians involved with terrorist organisations in a new state policy on combating terrorism and violent extremism. A seven-page policy paper made public on Thursday broadly outlined plans to improve security and conduct de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programmes.

PPM divisions reopen over Gayoom’s opposition to grant Yameen party ticket

MPs and members of the PPM have taken to social media calling for Yameen to be awarded the party ticket without a primary after local media claimed that former president and PPM leader Gayoom had refused to endorse his half-brother for the 2018 polls.

Saudis defend Maldives first lady over date controversy

The embassy of Saudi Arabia in Malé has spoken out in defence of the first lady of the Maldives, who has been accused of corruption when it emerged that an NGO she founded was distributing dates gifted by the kingdom in its name.

Home minister moves to halt production of historical documentary

The home ministry has ordered a southern island to halt production on a movie documenting the forced eviction of its residents in 1962 as collective punishment for a separatist movement.

First lady dubbed ‘date thief’

First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim has sparked a firestorm of criticism after it emerged that a charity organisation she founded was distributing packets of dates gifted by Saudi Arabia to the people of the Maldives in its name.

Executive facing corruption charges appointed as deputy minister

The Maldives Roads Development Corporation’s managing director has been transferred to a political post despite pending corruption charges over a MVR1 million (US$64,850) loss incurred by the state-owned company.

Opposition condemns ‘unfair, politically motivated trials’

The government has meanwhile asserted the independence of the judiciary and insisted that a bomb caused the September 28 blast on the president’s speedboat: “Any suggestion to the contrary is merely scurrilous, and an obvious attempt to besmirch both the judiciary and the government.”

Three Maldivians join extremist group in Syria

The news of the latest Maldivian recruits for jihad comes after President Abdulla Yameen submitted a policy paper on terrorism and violent extremism to the People’s Majlis, seeking the views of lawmakers on “further steps to be taken to address the issue.”

The Economist accused of defaming Maldives government

The government has reacted furiously to The Economist’s coverage of the new opposition coalition launched in London last week, accusing the magazine of being manipulated “to further an agenda that has, as its central aim, the unconstitutional removing of a democratically elected president”.

Judge accuses police of framing him with drugs

A judge at the Thinadhoo magistrate court who was arrested on a drug charge last month told the Supreme Court today that he was framed by the police. Magistrate Ali Rasheed was arrested on May 28 “in a state of intoxication,” according to the police.

Expanding executive power on agenda as Majlis reconvenes

The People’s Majlis returned from recess Tuesday for the second session of 2016 with bills on expanding executive powers as the first order of business.Ruling party MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed proposed amending the 2007 civil service law to require the Civil Service Commission to consult ministers before appointing permanent secretaries, who must also manage the ministry “in accordance with the minister’s advice and instructions”.

PG office ordered to compensate unfairly dismissed prosecutor

The Employment Tribunal has ordered the Prosecutor General’s office to compensate a former public prosecutor for unfair dismissal. Aminath Areej Hussain was sacked on December 9 after the human resource department deemed her “unfit” to work at the PG office.

Chief judge takes over all of Adeeb’s trials, holds back-to-back hearings

The controversial chief judge of the criminal court, Abdul Bari Yoosuf, has taken charge of all five trials on graft and terror charges against former Vice President Ahmed Abeeb. On Wednesday, he concluded hearing evidence in three of the trials and is holding back-to-back hearings in a terrorism trial today.

Broadcast regulator accused of double standards

The reconstituted Maldives Broadcasting Commission has been accused of bias and double standards over contrasting rulings issued recently after investigating similar complaints.

First couple returns to Malé after stopover in Sri Lanka

President Abdulla Yameen and First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim arrived in Malé this afternoon after concluding an official visit to Malaysia. According to Sri Lankan media, Yameen stopped over in Colombo with a seven-member delegation “on a private visit.”

Judge in Adeeb’s boat blast trial ‘demoted’

Hearings in former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb’s terror trial were cancelled Tuesday after a judge on the three-member panel was transferred to the juvenile court. Lawyers have described the transfer as a politically motivated demotion.