Politics


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, 09:00


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, 09:00


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, 09:00


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, 09:00


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, 09:00


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, 09:00


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, 09:00


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, 09:00


Age-limits, clemency and tuna: excerpts from Yameen’s May 3 speech
Here are excerpts from President Abdulla Yameen’s May 3 speech, in which he defended a constitutional amendment that set age-limits of 30- 65 years for the presidency, dismissed calls to amend clemency laws to facilitate former President Mohamed Nasheed’s release, and alleged that the EU had revoked duty-free status for Maldives tuna over gay rights.
05 May 2016, 09:00


Nasheed’s medical leave extended
The prisons authority has granted an extension of former President Mohamed Nasheed’s medical leave in the UK until May 18, after reviewing its decision to revoke permission granted in April.
05 May 2016, 09:00


Chief Justice calls 2015 a successful year for Maldives judges
Declaring 2015 a success for the embattled Maldivian judiciary on Tuesday, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed vowed to uphold the Maldivian state and protect citizen’s rights.
04 May 2016, 09:00


Maldives seeks UN human rights advisor
The Maldives requested the UN human rights chief in January to appoint a human rights advisor to help the embattled government “develop policies and guidelines that are consistent with international human rights standards,” Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon told diplomats in Sri Lanka yesterday.
04 May 2016, 09:00


MDP chairperson reiterates corruption allegations against Yameen
The MDP’s self-exiled chairperson appeared on Raajje TV Sunday night with new corruption allegations against President Abdulla Yameen, days after the broadcasting regulator reprimanded the opposition-aligned station for airing “unproven allegations” against the first couple.
03 May 2016, 09:00


Judge questions charges against senior Raajje TV journalist
Fiyaz was accused of assaulting a police officer while reporting on the military’s attempts to defuse a bomb on November 2 last year, but he was charged with touching an individual without his consent – a class four misdemeanor.
02 May 2016, 09:00


Plans for e-voting sparks concern
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has expressed grave concern over the Election Commission’s plans to introduce electronic voting in the upcoming local council elections.
01 May 2016, 09:00


Police disperse labour day protest
Scores of police officers have blocked a labour day march organized by Maldivian civil society organisations, despite an appeal by the human rights watchdog to allow protesters to exercise their right to assembly.
01 May 2016, 09:00


India gifts second helicopter to Maldives
The Indian government gifted a second helicopter to the Maldivian military last week following the signing of an Indo-Maldives defence action plan in April.
01 May 2016, 09:00


Maldives army releases trailer of first feature film
The Maldives National Defence Force has released a trailer of the military’s first feature film, Handharu, based on the failed coup attempt on November 3, 1988 by a group of Maldivians and Tamil mercenaries.
01 May 2016, 09:00


Historic law paves way for equitable distribution of marital property
President Abdulla Yameen ratified last week changes brought to the Family Act to pave the way for equitable distribution of marital property after divorce, despite opposition from religious scholars and ruling party lawmakers.
01 May 2016, 09:00


Police disperse weekly prayer for political prisoners
Dozens of riot policemen dispersed the opposition’s weekly prayer for political prisoners at Malé’s main mosque on Friday.
30 Apr 2016, 09:00

