A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.
Maldivian diplomats have embarked on an international charm offensive as the country lobbies for a seat on the United Nations Security Council — to little fanfare at home. While the foreign ministry announced the country’s candidacy back in 2016, a new website, animated video and three hashtags have been launched to support the campaign. The […]
Former defence minister Ameen Faisal, charged over the military’s “protective custody” of then-MP Abdulla Yameen, has been given a week to prepare the closing arguments in his terrorism trial. Ameen, who served under former president Mohamed Nasheed, was charged with abduction under the now-defunct 1990 Anti-Terrorism Act. He faces up to 15 years in jail […]
A former Malé city councillor on trial for obstruction and unlawful acquisition and disclosure of information has switched factions in the divided Progressive Party of Maldives. “I have withdrawn the support I gave for President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in the political arena since 2008,” Zaidul Ameen declared on his social media accounts. “And I have […]
The prisons authority has denied attempting to coerce Ahmed Adeeb’s family into giving consent for administering an injection to the jailed former vice president, condemning “false allegations” concerning the medical treatment of inmates. The Maldives Correctional Services said in a statement Monday that inmates interact with doctors privately after consultations are arranged upon request. “This service will not […]
Anti-corruption NGO Transparency Maldives has relaunched a campaign urging the public to pressure lawmakers to disclose their personal finances. The Haamakurey or ‘Make it Public’ campaign calls on MPs to make their asset declaration available to the public. The constitution requires them to annually submit to the parliament’s secretary-general “a statement of all property and monies owned by him, business interests […]
The prisons authority has stopped medical treatment for Ahmed Adeeb after his wife refused to sign a consent form for administering an injection, the jailed former vice president’s family has alleged. Adeeb’s family said in a statement Sunday morning that the Maldives Correctional Services push to give him the injection ostensibly for a CT scan […]
Male’ skyline; photograph by author October 13 marks the one-year anniversary of Maldives’ quitting the Commonwealth. Since Abdulla Yameen assuming the presidency in November 2013, Maldives has exhibited blatant disregard and grave violations of human rights and democratic standards. As international pressure began to mount, the government decided to pull out of the Commonwealth before it […]
The Maldives Thursday declared that more than MVR13billion (US$875 million) has been lost or stolen from state coffers since 1999, as it announced efforts to recover assets lost in high-profile corruption case from former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s era. The amount eclipses the entire state budget of 2010. In a press conference held by the […]
Dozens of opposition supporters protested in front of the Maldivian Embassy in Colombo Thursday against human rights violations. Independent MP Ahmed Mahloof told the Maldives Independent that about 50 people were at the demonstration. Photographs on social media showed protesters holding placards that read “Inclusive elections 2018” and “Resign dictator Yameen”. “We are gathered near […]