Maldives Independent

Ex-VP’s conviction over assassination attempt overturned

The High Court quashed the 15-year jail sentence and ordered a retrial.

Government seizes island leased for coral reef research

The government has moved to take back an island lease to Professor Hassan Ugail’s Korallion Lab for use as a marine station to conduct research…

Maldives ex-president pleads not guilty to money laundering

Prosecution witnesses include Yameen’s former vice president and tourism minister.

Maldives falls again in press freedom index

The Maldives is now ranked between Nigeria and Angola on the 2018 press freedom index.

Tax authority freezes accounts of Gasim’s Villa Shipping company

The move comes days after Gasim predicted that Villa’s accounts could be frozen ahead of Monday’s no-confidence vote against the speaker of parl…

Maldives defiant after EU parliament calls for targeted sanctions

The Maldivian government said it “does not intend to prolong the state of emergency and plans to lift it as soon as the threats posed to nationa…

Maldives cancels PR deal with Podesta

The government of Maldives has cancelled a US$300,000 PR deal with Washington-based lobbyist Podesta, following former Vice President Ahmed Adee…

Social media activist released after one year in custody

Ahmed Ashraf’s trial resumed on Wednesday after more than one year. The first hearing was held in February 2016. The charge of issuing threats c…

Maldives Supreme Court – a law unto itself?

While the Supreme Court annulled all proceedings against the high-profile politicians, it has not ordered the dismissal of charges. It has order…

Regulator threatens to shut down TV stations

Private TV stations will be shut down without notice if coverage of the unfolding crisis is deemed to pose a threat to national security, the Ma…

?Imperative’ for government to release prisoners: India

“In the spirit of democracy and rule of law, it is imperative for all organs of the Government of Maldives to respect and abide by the order of…

Maldives condemns US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

The Maldivian government called the move “a flagrant disregard of international law which could have dire consequences”.

Basic questions about Rilwan unanswered by state, court hears

Three suspects have been charged in connection with the kidnapping of Ahmed Rilwan, who went missing three years ago.

Ex-policeman denies plotting to assassinate president

A former police officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a terrorism charge raised over alleged calls to assassinate President Abdulla Yameen.

Extremist suspect arrested over rape of 13-year-old girl

Ismail Hammad was arrested upon his release from hospital.

Cyclone aid, medical gaps and MDP tensions

News in Brief from Sunday, November 30.

Tribunal finds sacking of eight aviation security command officers unfair

The employment tribunal has ordered the defence ministry to reinstate eight aviation security officers who were sacked in May, ruling the defenc…

Opposition launches protests over ex-president’s jailing

Several protesters were detained but released without charges.