Politics


Maldives severs diplomatic ties with Iran
The foreign ministry said Iran pursues policies that are “detrimental to peace and security in the region which in many ways, is also linked to stability, peace and security of the Maldives.”
17 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Three May Day detainees sue state over trial delay
Lawyers representing three men detained on charges of assaulting a police officer on May Day last year have sued the Maldivian state over the criminal court’s six-month delay in issuing a verdict.
17 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Prosecutors to revise charges against Raajje TV journalist
A second hearing in Raajje TV journalist Hussain Fiyaz Moosa’s assault trial was cancelled today, reportedly because state prosecutors are revising charges against him.
17 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Yameen hits back at Gayoom’s criticism of development vision
Yameen hit back at Gayoom who had said that he was impressed by a group of young people he had met who did not “believe the Maldives should become another Singapore.”
17 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Surfer denied access to lawyer, police say new rules bar visits on Friday
A man arrested Friday for surfing at Malés surf point was denied access to a lawyer based on a new regulation that bars detainees from legal counsel on Fridays and public holidays.
15 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Journalists retrace missing colleague’s final known footsteps
A group of Maldivian journalists retraced Friday the final known footsteps of their abducted colleague, Ahmed Rilwan, in protest against the government’s response to a UN human rights panel on his disappearance.
14 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Judges launch workshops and action plans in apparent reform effort
The Maldives’ embattled judiciary, which has long-resisted calls for reform, has launched a series of workshops, emphasizing access to justice, improving efficiency and skills, and administrative reform.
14 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Raajje TV under fire again for ‘airing defamatory content’
The Maldives Broadcasting Commission, in a letter to the opposition-aligned station today, said it was looking into a complaint filed over defamatory content aired during the May 1 episode of the talk show, Fala Surkhee.
12 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Maldives’ most senior female judge quits
Dr Azmiralda Zahir, the Maldives’ most senior female judge, resigned from the high court this morning in protest against her transfer to a regional branch in southern Addu City.
12 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Yameen awaits supreme court ruling in Nasheed’s terror appeal
The president said he will urge the supreme court to issue a ruling in Nasheed’s terror appeal. “Then we can decide on how to move forward. But the truth we must accept is that when such heinous crimes occur, justice will be served someday.”
11 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Police dismantle political party hangouts in central island
Police dismantled political party jagahas or hangouts on the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll on the home ministry’s orders.
11 May 2016, 9:00 AM


MDP reiterates call for consultation over e-voting plans
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has urged the Elections Commission to consult with political parties over its plans to introduce electronic voting in the upcoming local council elections.
10 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Journalists will not be charged over president’s office protest
Ismail Ali, the police spokesman, said: “The cases have not been sent for prosecution, and all of the individuals who were arrested have been summoned to the police station and issued an official warning, advising them to comply with laws and regulations.”
09 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Government closes Laamu Atoll schools for president’s visit
The education ministry closed down schools in Laamu Atoll for President Abdulla Yameen’s visit to the southern atoll today, requesting students and parents to attend government rallies instead.
09 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Maldives students are taught that democracy attracts Allah’s wrath
Maldivian students are taught that Western-style democracy allows the alteration of Allah’s revelations, encourages sinful behaviour and justifies Allah’s wrath.
08 May 2016, 9:00 AM


UAE foreign minister calls on President Yameen
Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, called on President Abdulla Yameen today, and delivered a letter from the UAE prime minister to a trade fair to be held in 2020.
08 May 2016, 9:00 AM


State broadcaster refused to telecast press freedom day ceremony
The state broadcaster refused to show a live telecast of last week’s press freedom day official ceremony despite assurances to the Maldives Media Council.
07 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Elder statesman rails against authoritarian reversals
Ahmed ‘Seena’ Zahir, a former lawmaker and minister, has blasted authoritarian reversals under President Abdulla Yameen, criticising judicial corruption and tyranny, the ruling party’s crackdown on oversight bodies and press freedom.
07 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Civil society groups call for inquiry into police’s blocking of May Day rally
Some seven civil society groups filed a complaint with the watchdog National Integrity Commission requesting an inquiry into the police’s blocking of a protest march on May Day.
06 May 2016, 9:00 AM


Democracy or money? Excerpts from Yameen’s May 2 speech
Here are excerpts from Yameen’s May 2 speech in which he speaks at length on his views of democracy, criticises persisting international pressure and opposition’s lobby efforts for sanctions.
05 May 2016, 9:00 AM

