A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.
The Maldives has issued a sovereign guarantee for a US$370 million (MVR5.6 billion) loan for the development of 7,000 housing units in the capital’s suburb Hulhumalé. The development of the housing units, by China Construction Company Limited, is financed by the Industrial Commercial Bank of China. The government’s decision to issue a sovereign guarantee for […]
The family of Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim has asked Maldivian authorities to extend his medical leave for a fourth time on doctor’s advice. According to local media reports, Gasim’s son Ibrahim Siyad Gasim wrote to the Maldives Correctional Service saying doctors had advised him to stay in Singapore until October 28 for tests. Gasim, […]
Raajje TV has plans to appeal the Maldives Broadcasting Commission decision to fine the station, also saying Monday it is suing the police for negligence over a 2013 arson attack that destroyed its studio. The opposition-aligned station was fined MVR 500,000 ($32,467) for airing comments the broadcasting regulator claimed posed a threat to national security […]
Two minors are in custody after a stabbing in Hithadhoo, Addu City, the southernmost Maldives atoll. Police were alerted to the incident Sunday night which involved two 17 year olds. One was stabbed with a sharp object, but both received injuries. “The assault involved two minors. They are currently under police custody after receiving treatment […]
Parliament reconvened after a one-month recess Monday morning with opposition lawmakers protesting behind a new five-foot wall built in front of the speaker’s well. In the face of vociferous chants for his resignation, Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed concluded the sitting in less than 15 minutes after calling a vote on minor changes to the Majlis standing […]
The legal team of MP Faris Maumoon have questioned the court’s authority to proceed with his identity fraud trial. Faris, the son of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was charged with identity fraud over the use of the flag and logo of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives at a joint opposition press conference in […]
Suspects arrested in connection with the sudden and unexplained deaths of two young people in Hulhumale have been released. Ahmed Haameen, a 22-year-old from the island of Thimarafushi in Thaa atoll, and 18-year-old Fathmath Sama, from the capital Malé, died at Hulhumalé beach after renting a guesthouse room for a birthday party on September 28. […]
Police are investigating two migrant workers who were arrested for brewing alcohol in Male’. One Bangladeshi and one Indian worker were arrested late Thursday in an operation carried out by the Drug Enforcement Department. The officers searched the residential premises with a court warrant. Possession and distribution of alcohol without a licence is a crime […]
The Maldives has lashed out at the European Parliament after it called for individual targeted sanctions over “the deteriorating political and human rights situation in the Maldives and the increasingly authoritarian rule of President Abdulla Yameen”. European lawmakers passed a resolution Thursday urging Maldivian authorities to reform the judiciary, release political prisoners, and to guarantee […]