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A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.

2017

European parliament calls for targeted sanctions over ‘dramatic deterioration’ of Maldives democracy

European parliament calls for targeted sanctions over ‘dramatic deterioration’ of Maldives democracy

2 min read

The European parliament Thursday adopted a resolution calling on member states to consider imposing individual targeted sanctions in response to a “dramatic deterioration” of democracy and human rights in the Maldives. The resolution called on Maldivian authorities to reform the judiciary, release political prisoners, and to guarantee the constitutional rights to freedom of speech and […]

1478, launched as a tourist toll free number

1478, launched as a tourist toll free number

2 min read

A tourist toll-free number, through which tourists can contact tourist police has been launched by Maldives Police Service. The number 1478 was launched by Home Minister Mr. Azleen Ahmed, in a ceremony held in Velana International Airport. During the ceremony, Minister Azleen stated that this kind of developments in Maldivian Police Service would increase the […]

State utility firms running huge losses

State utility firms running huge losses

2 min read

State utility firms are operating at a loss, a parliamentary committee has heard, with one power company’s debt standing at around MVR1.6 billion (US$103 million). Environment and energy minister Thoriq Ibrahim, as well as utility company bosses, were summoned to a government oversight committee session on Wednesday to answer questions on unequal prices between the […]

abuse

Court slaps travel ban on elderly man accused of sexually abusing 4 sisters

2 min read

Stock image symbolising child abuse. An elderly man of 75 years, who is accused of sexually abusing four sisters in an island of Gaafu Dhaal atoll, has been placed under a travel ban. Maldives Police Service confirmed that Thinadhoo Magistrate Court of the atoll issued the travel ban last Tuesday, seizing the man’s passport for […]

Has tourism eclipsed human rights in the Maldives?

Has tourism eclipsed human rights in the Maldives?

6 min read

Foreign tourists arrive in a resort in the Kurumba island in Maldives, February,12, 2012 (AP File Photo) Despite its famed luxury resorts, the government of Maldives has a troubled take on the rule of law. Maldivians don’t see their country the same way tourists do. “Its geographically beautiful – tourists love it. But it’s a […]

Yameen Rasheed’s family lament closed hearings

Yameen Rasheed’s family lament closed hearings

2 min read

The family of murdered blogger Yameen Rasheed has expressed concern over the closed hearings of the seven defendants charged with his death. Yameen, a prominent blogger and Internet activist, was stabbed to death in April and was found with multiple stab wounds in the stairway of his apartment building in Malé. He died soon after […]

Human rights:  repression in the Maldives

Human rights: repression in the Maldives

1 min read

Maldives: political and human rights are deteriorating The European Parliament deplores the crackdown on political opponents in the Maldives and calls on the government to drop all charges against former president Mohamed Nasheed and to release, immediately and unconditionally all those being held for political reasons, including Jumhoory Party former leader, Qasim Ibrahim. The government […]

Bangladesh ambassador urges ‘proper investigation’ into expat death

Bangladesh ambassador urges ‘proper investigation’ into expat death

3 min read

A 40-year-old Bangladeshi man has been found dead with severe head wounds at a Hulhumalé construction site, prompting concern and regret from the country’s ambassador. Police told media that the man was found dead at a Damas Construction site at around 8:20 am. They have yet to say whether they are treating the death as murder. […]