Politics

Human rights watchdog slams “unacceptable” misogynistic behaviour from MPs

Misogynistic remarks and behaviour from MPs that were derogatory towards women at recent sittings of the People’s Majlis are “unacceptable,” the human rights watchdog has said, urging lawmakers not to undermine national efforts for women’s empowerment.

Majlis votes to keep list of designated terror groups secret

The new law states that the home minister must compile a “positive list” comprising of organisations that Maldivians are permitted to join. An individual who wants to join or promote an unlisted group has to seek permission from the home ministry.

Ex MP denies bribing president, judges to avoid jail sentence

Former MP Abdulla Jabir has denied paying MVR10 million (US$648,500) to President Abdulla Yameen to influence the outcome of his trial in early 2014 after the opposition-aligned station Raajje TV aired a phone conversation between the resort businessmen and former Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb.

Opposition accused of campaigning for tourism boycott at ITB fair

Maldives cancels PR deal with Podesta

The government of Maldives has cancelled a US$300,000 PR deal with Washington-based lobbyist Podesta, following former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb’s arrest on a charge of plotting to kill President Abdulla Yameen.

Adeeb, five soldiers charged over boat blast

The Prosecutor General’s office filed charges against former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb and five soldiers at the criminal court yesterday over the September 28 blast on the president’s speedboat.

Appeals court upholds ex-defence minister’s arms smuggling conviction

The High Court upheld today a weapons smuggling conviction against former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim, ruling that there was no evidence to suggest he was framed by rogue police officers.

Government still hopes MDP will join talks despite third snub

The government will continue to attempt to convince the Maldivian Democratic Party and Adhaalath Party to participate in all-party talks following a third snub by the allied opposition parties, Fisheries Minister Dr Mohamed Shainee said today.

Ruling party MP calls female MPs ‘screaming crows’ in equality debate

PPM MP Riyaz Rasheed caused a stir today labelling the four women MPs of the opposition “shameless” and “screaming crows.” He also said that women are the leading cause for heart attacks and strokes.

Saudi Arabia pledges US$50m for military housing project

Saudi Arabia pledged to provide US$50 million for a military housing project during an official visit to the kingdom this week by Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar.

Anti-graft watchdog fields barrage of questions over integrity

The anti-graft watchdog fielded Sunday a barrage of questions on its integrity and willingness to hold President Abdulla Yameen to account over the theft of some US$80million from state coffers.

First couple moves to official residence as president backtracks on campaign pledge

President Abdulla Yameen has done a u-turn on his much-publicised campaign pledge of living in his family home with an unexpected move on Thursday to Hilaaleege, the state residence formerly used by his first Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed.

Ruling coalition MP stands by admission of bribery

Ruling coalition MP Mohamed Ismail has stood by his admission of bribing opposition lawmakers, claiming he distributed cash as a favour to detained former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb.

Friday sermon has become a ‘political weapon’

The Islamic ministry has once again provoked a storm of criticism with a Friday sermon that warned Maldivians against slander amidst allegations of corruption against President Abdulla Yameen.

High Court judge complains over transfer to southern branch

High Court Judge Azmiralda Zahir has filed a complaint with the parliament’s independent institutions oversight committee over her transfer to a southern branch of the appellate court.

MDP condemns arrest of MP Mahloof from anti-corruption protest

The Maldivian Democratic Party has strongly condemned the police’s “unconstitutional” obstruction of Friday’s protest as well as the heavy use of pepper spray against protesters and a Raajje TV journalist and the arrest of MP Ahmed Mahloof.

Media regulator shares press freedom concerns with Chief Justice

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission said in a statement that its president, Mohamed Shaheeb, discussed “seeking a solution to the tension between the media and the judiciary” after the criminal court barred several outlets from observing trials.

Surprise terror trial for ex-chief prosecutor

The criminal court summoned detained former Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin to an unannounced hearing today and granted him seven days to hire a lawyer to answer a terror charge.

American PR firm complained over delayed payment in email to Maldives president

Leaked emails show the Maldivian public was billed a total of US$221,826 for three months of work in 2012 by PR firm Ruder Finn. The lobbyists later sent an email to then-president Waheed complaining over a seven-month delay in receiving payment, The Maldives Independent can reveal.

Ex-defence minister’s appeal: Court set to deliver verdict next week

Six police officers involved in arms raid on Mohamed Nazim’s home provided anonymous testimony today. Judges said they will deliver a verdict on March 15.