A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.
Delays in carrying out the death penalty due will be resolved by October 8, the home minister has said, despite international condemnation of the country resuming executions. The Maldives in 2014 ended a six-decade moratorium on capital punishment, with President Abdulla Yameen previously declaring the island nation would be ready for executions last month. “By […]
TV stations have been warned against broadcasting footage live-streamed on social media by MPs who are inside the parliament chamber. In a circular released Monday, the Broadcasting Commission of Maldives said such videos contained “obscene language and content contrary to standards of public decency”. These contents also defamed members of parliament, the statement said. The […]
Jumhooree party leader Gasim Ibrahim can be declared a fugitive, the Maldives prison authority has said, after the latest deadline for his return to Male passed on Monday night. Gasim, sentenced to three years in absentia for attempted bribery, was released on medical furlough for cardiovascular treatment in September. He was initially given 10 days […]
The council president of Dhidhoo island in northern Haa Alif atoll has been suspended in connection to a pending investigation related to newly built housing units on the island. Ali Hashim’s indefinite suspension came on Thursday with the Local Government Authority alleging the councillor, from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, tried to prepare a […]
The administrative arm of the Maldives judiciary has lifted the suspension of 16 lawyers who signed a petition calling for judicial reform. The Department of Judicial Administration – which functions under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court – announced Saturday that the suspension was lifted after the investigation of their cases was completed. According to local media, the […]
Hundreds of police and soldiers descended on the island of Villingili in Gaafu Alif atoll ahead of a visit from President Abdulla Yameen, cracking down on opposition protesters by removing banners and placards. Around 300 security officers, some armed, were sent to Villingili two days prior to Yameen’s arrival according to atoll council president Ahmed […]
The Maldives Wednesday played down the United Kingdom’s updated travel advice to the country which said terrorists were “very likely” to carry out an attack, stressing the tropical paradise “remains one of the safest destinations in the world”. More than 100,000 Britons visited the Maldives last year, the third biggest market, up from 90,000 in […]
MP Faris Maumoon’s bribery trial began Monday with the presiding judge refusing to release the former ruling party lawmaker after more than two months in custody. Dismissing the defence counsel’s arguments, Judge Ali Adam said Faris will remain behind bars because the court believes he may tamper with evidence or attempt to influence witnesses if […]
Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim’s family has informed the prisons authority that he cannot return to the Maldives on Tuesday despite the refusal to extend a 20-day medical leave. “He actually cannot leave. As doctors have not authorised for him to fly, the airlines are refusing to sell tickets for him. We also requested that […]