Politics

Maldives opposition condemns police obstruction of anti-corruption walk

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has said that the government’s infringement of the constitutional right to freedom of assembly shows its “lack of sincerity” in inviting political parties for talks.

MPs summoned to police after dumping fake dollars outside president’s residence

Opposition MPs Ahmed Mahloof and Eva Abdulla were summoned for questioning by the police on Friday after the pair dumped fake dollar bills with President Abdulla Yameen’s face outside his private residence on Wednesday morning.

Maldives central bank denies money laundering allegations

MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed had told the opposition-aligned Raajje TV last week that US$1.5 billion in cash was brought to the Maldives last year on a chartered flight, stored at the state treasury, and transferred to private bank accounts through the MMA.

Maldives police arrest journalist at opposition-aligned TV station

A sports journalist at the opposition-aligned Raajje TV was arrested this afternoon after police officers allegedly entered the private station’s office in Malé without a court warrant. Hussain Fariyaz was arrested around 1:00pm and released about two hours later. He has alleged physical mistreatment and verbal abuse by police officers.

Maldives bans Raajje TV documentary on ‘president’s sorcerer’

The Maldives’ broadcasting regulator has ordered the opposition-aligned Raajje TV not to air a documentary about a Sri Lankan man who allegedly performed sorcery or black magic to help President Abdulla Yameen win the 2013 election.

Government decides to relaunch political party talks

The move follow warnings from a visiting delegation from the European parliament that the EU will consider imposing sanctions against top Maldivian officials if the government does not release “political prisoners” and convene “genuine inter-party talks” with an international mediator if required.

MDP chairperson challenges Yameen to dispute evidence of corruption

Citing the transaction number, the bank account number, the name of the employee who oversaw the transaction, and the name and mobile phone number of the bank’s manager, Ali Waheed challenged Yameen to refute the allegation that US$500,000 was deposited to his account at the Maldives Islamic Bank on October 12.

International Commission of Jurists calls for Judge Nihan’s immediate release

The government has “dealt another blow to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law” with the judge’s arrest, said ICJ’s Asia Director Sam Zarifi. The senior judge of the Maamigili magistrate court is accused of forging a warrant to arrest President Abdulla Yameen on corruption charges.

European MPs warn of sanctions over jailed Maldives opposition leaders

A visiting delegation from the European parliament urged the government to free political prisoners and engage in genuine dialogue with political parties. “There is no chance that elections that are due to place here in 2018 will be rated as free and fair by Europe or the international community unless these steps start and start now,” said Richard Howitt, MEP.

Maldives ex-Prosecutor General detained over alleged coup plot

The state’s evidence suggests that Muhthaz Muhsin and accomplices traveled to Alif Dhaal Maamigili around 12:45am on February 7 “to seek a court order to arrest President Abdulla Yameen and topple the government,” the High Court said, ordering the ex-PG to be held in police custody for 15 days.

Former Prosecutor General and judge arrested over ‘fake warrant’

Former Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin and a judge at the Alif Dhaal Maamigili magistrate court have been arrested over a “fake” warrant issued for President Abdulla Yameen’s arrest.

Independent MP questioned over corruption allegations against first couple

Ex-Prosecutor General released, judge remanded

Muhthaz Muhsin was arrested around midnight last night along with a judge at the Maamigili magistrate court on suspicion of involvement in issuing an “invalid” court order to arrest President Abdulla Yameen. The High Court has extended Judge Nihan’s remand detention to seven days.

Yameen vows to take action over Maldives’ biggest corruption scandal

Yameen’s remarks came after a local company implicated in the unprecedented corruption scandal said that the the missing funds were distributed to the first couple, the ruling party, and senior politicians.

Police investigating ‘fake warrant’ issued for President Yameen’s arrest

Chief Superintendent Mohamed Riyaz told the press that former President Mohamed Nasheed – who is currently in the UK on a 30-day medical leave from prison – called a senior officer of the security services and encouraged him to enforce the bogus arrest warrant.

Sheikh Imran returned to jail from house arrest

After nearly four months under house arrest, Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla was abruptly transferred to prison last night until the conclusion of his ongoing terrorism trial.

Thousands gather for Nasheed and Jameel’s message from London

Once bitter rivals, former President Mohamed Nasheed and former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed appeared tonight side-by-side in a video message broadcast from London, urging Maldivians to unite against President Abdulla Yameen’s alleged corruption.

Police block anti-corruption walk

Dozens of riot police officers have set up barricades on all roads leading to Malé’s Artificial Beach today in an attempt to block a walk organized by the opposition in protest over what watchdog bodies have called the Maldives’ biggest ever corruption scandal.

Translation of President Yameen’s 2016 presidential address

President Abdulla Yameen’s 2016 presidential address at the People’s Majlis opening touched on sovereignty, judicial reform, and the government’s achievements in health care, education, and infrastructure projects.

MDP claims evidence of Maldives government involvement in terrorism financing

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party claims it has damning evidence of government involvement in terrorism financing, money laundering, and bribery.